The 23-member expert panel will also continue important work under the
Convention’s Optional Protocol, which enables the Committee, based on certain
criteria, to undertake inquiries into possible grave or systematic violations of
women’s rights.
The Committee is also scheduled to meet with representatives of
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to hear information about the countries
that are reporting at the current session.
In opening remarks, Rachel N. Mayanja, Special Adviser to the
Secretary-General on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women, recalled that Ban
Ki-moon has endorsed calls to consolidate and strengthen several current women’s
units into “one dynamic UN entity” focused on gender equality and women’s
empowerment, which should mobilize change at the global level and inspire
enhanced results at the country level.
The Committee is tasked with ensuring that 185 States parties meet their
obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women.
Adopted in 1979 by the General Assembly, the pact is often described as an
international bill of rights for women. In a preamble and 30 articles, it
defines what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for
national action to end
it.