The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), was adopted in 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly. It defines what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination. A Committee monitors each country's progress against the Convention. Alongside the government reporting, civil societies have an opportunity to have a voice too, which is why BPW NZ is involved.
The New Zealand Government’s CEDAW examination will be convened at the 89th
Session (07 – 25 October 2024, specific date yet to be confirmed).
The deadline for civil society organisations' (like BPW NZ) to submit alternate/shadow reports is four weeks before the session e.g. mid-September. This is where we can give the Committee our views on New Zealand's progress on women's rights. To contribute to BPW New Zealand's work in this space join the Issues Taskforce by emailing Siobhan Dilly (issues@bpwnz.org.nz).