From Ratification to Reality: A Cross-National Analysis of CEDAW’s Uneven Gender Equality Outcomes

Author: Dylan Siegel

Field of Study: History

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Wendy Martinek

Easel: 52

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) produces uneven outcomes in legal and social gender equality across countries. Although more than 185 nations ratify the treaty, many fail to fully implement its laws. Using cross-national data from the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security Women, Peace, and Security Index and ratification data from the Princeton University Journal of Public and International Affairs dataset, this study analyzes the relationship between CEDAW commitment and measurable gender equality outcomes. It argues that ratification alone does not guarantee reform. Instead, evidence proves that domestic factors such as cultural norms and women’s movements shape whether international commitments translate into meaningful policy implementation. Moreover, countries with stronger civil society participation and women’s political empowerment are more likely to enforce CEDAW principles. The findings highlight that a country's index score correlates with women’s rights implementation and true enforcement.