core sector communique

National Consultation with Civil Society Organizations on the Draft Report of India to
UN Committee on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women

The Government had signed the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) on 30th September 1980 and ratified the same on 9th July 1993. The Convention obligates the State Parties to undertake appropriate legislative and other measures to eliminate discrimination against women.

Ministry of Women and Child Development, the nodal Ministry on the issues of women and children has prepared a draft Combined Fourth and Fifth Periodic Reports of India under article 18 of the Convention in consultation with different stakeholdersincluding civil society organizations working in the field of women’s rights. This Report covers developments in implementation of the Convention in India from 2006 to 2011.

The Report was shared widely with the members of civil society through a National Consultation held on 25th November 2011 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The Consultation was chaired by Shri D.K. Sikri, Secretary Ministry of Women & Child Development, in his opening speech talked about progress made by women of India in the Spheres of social, economic, legal and political empowerment over the years but emphasized that a lot remains to be achieved in future.

Over 25 participants from different civil society organizations across the country deliberated on the draft Report and gave feedback.