The main clauses of CEDAW can be broken down into the following parts:

 

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Part I: Definition and General Obligations (Articles 1-6)

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Article 1: Definition of Discrimination against Women. This is a foundational clause that provides a broad definition of discrimination. It includes "any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women... of human rights and fundamental freedoms." This definition extends beyond direct discrimination to include practices and policies that have a discriminatory effect, even if not intended.

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Article 2: Policy Measures. This article obligates States Parties to take concrete steps to eliminate discrimination. This includes embodying the principle of equality in their national constitutions, adopting legislation prohibiting discrimination, and establishing legal and institutional protections for women.

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Article 3: Guarantee of Basic Human Rights. States are required to take all appropriate measures, especially in the political, social, economic, and cultural fields, to ensure the full development and advancement of women.

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Article 4: Temporary Special Measures. This clause is significant as it allows for affirmative action or "temporary special measures" to accelerate the achievement of de facto equality between men and women. Such measures are not considered discriminatory.

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Article 5: Sex Roles and Stereotyping. States are required to take measures to modify social and cultural patterns of conduct that are based on the idea of the inferiority or superiority of either sex, or on stereotyped roles for men and women.

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Article 6: Trafficking and Prostitution. This article obliges States to take all appropriate measures to suppress all forms of trafficking in women and the exploitation of the prostitution of women.

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Part II: Political and Public Life (Articles 7-9)

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Article 7: Political and Public Life. This guarantees women equal rights to vote, to be eligible for election to public office, and to participate in non-governmental organizations and associations concerned with the public and political life of their country.

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Article 8: International Representation. States must ensure that women have equal opportunities to represent their governments at the international level and participate in the work of international organizations.

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Article 9: Nationality. This clause ensures that women have equal rights to acquire, change, or retain their nationality, and that of their children.

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Part III: Economic and Social Rights (Articles 10-14)

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Article 10: Education. States must ensure equal rights for women in education, including equal access to studies, the same curricula, and the elimination of stereotyped concepts in educational materials.

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Article 11: Employment. This article guarantees the right to work, equal employment opportunities, equal remuneration, social security, and protection in the workplace, including maternity leave.

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Article 12: Health. States are required to ensure women equal access to health care services, including those related to family planning. It also obligates them to provide free and accessible health services in connection with pregnancy and post-natal care.

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Article 13: Economic and Social Life. This guarantees equal rights in economic and social life, including the right to family benefits, bank loans, mortgages, and other forms of financial credit.

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Article 14: Rural Women. This is a specific clause that addresses the particular challenges faced by women in rural areas. It mandates states to ensure their right to participate in development, have access to health care, and benefit from social security programs, among other things.

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Part IV: Equality before the Law and in Family Life (Articles 15-16)

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Article 15: Equality before the Law. This ensures that women are accorded legal capacity identical to that of men, with the same opportunities to exercise that capacity, including the right to conclude contracts, administer property, and choose their residence.

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Article 16: Marriage and Family. This crucial article requires states to eliminate discrimination against women in all matters relating to marriage and family relations. It guarantees equal rights to enter into marriage, to choose a spouse, to have the same rights and responsibilities during marriage and at its dissolution, and to have equal rights regarding the guardianship, wardship, and adoption of children.

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Part V and VI: Implementation and Administration

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Articles 17-22: These articles establish the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee), a body of independent experts responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Convention. States Parties must submit periodic reports on the measures they have adopted to give effect to the provisions of the Convention.