Which statement best describes the purpose of CEDAW?

• A. International Covenant on Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination
• B. Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women
• C. UDHR Article 4
• D. Stockholm Declaration

Answer: (B)

CEDAW aims to eliminate discrimination against women in all areas of life and to promote full equality between women and men. It requires states to modify laws and practices that disadvantage women, take measures to ensure equal opportunities in political, economic, social, and cultural spheres, and report on progress. This makes it the most accurate description of what CEDAW is for—a comprehensive treaty devoted to advancing women’s rights and achieving gender equality.

The other options point to different instruments or provisions: one refers to a treaty addressing racial discrimination, another to a UDHR clause about slavery, and another to environmental principles. None of those describe the specific purpose of CEDAW.