Other ways to contribute

The following are specific ways in which NGOs can participate in the CEDAW process:

• Reporting by States parties (by writing alternative/shadow reports)
  
  
• Formulation of General Recommendations
  

  General recommendations adopted by the CEDAW Committee have interpreted rights progressively and developed new standards. For example, GR 19 establishes that all forms of VAW are prohibited. Until date, the Committee has adopted 26 general recommendations (GR).

  NGOs are also able to influence the creation of general recommendations. NGOs can lobby the Committee and as part of their recommendations suggest the Committee develop a GR that deals with their issue/context. When the Committee has decided to develop this GR, they will establish a working group to draft the GR and hold a one day consultation for interested parties to which NGOs can send and provide information and inputs in the discussion. In this way NGOs obtain a space and opportunity to influence the substantive text of any GR.

• Composition of the CEDAW Committee
  
  It is very important for women's groups and women's rights advocates to continue advocating for the inclusion of independent feminist experts in the CEDAW Committee.
  
  As you may already know, the CEDAW Convention is the only UN human rights treaty that focuses on gender issues. In this regard, it is important that the twenty-three experts of the CEDAW Committee have an understanding of the realities of women's lives.
  
  Members of the CEDAW Committee are elected pursuant to article 17 of the CEDAW Convention by States parties from among nationals of that country. However, it is important to note that these members serve in their personal capacity and not as representatives of that States party. Members are elected for a term of four years.
  
  Each CEDAW Committee member hast he potential of advocating for women's rights at three levels:

  1. To uphold the notion that States are accountable to women;
  2. To continuously further rights contained in the CEDAW Convention along feminist principles;
  3. To ensure that women's NGOs are included in CEDAW-related processes.

  
  What to do:

1. Before March  of the election year: At the national level, before the nomination period in March, begin to propose names of women's activists and feminists for the election with your government. Obtain their support for your candidate by creating publicity and support for her candidacy.    
2. Once the list of nominees have been released in mid year:  If you are in contact with progressive representatives of your government in your home country or in New York, please contact them and let them know that women's groups and women's rights advocates globally want independent experts from all over the world to be elected to the Committee. Please let them know that they are responsible for ensuring that the CEDAW Committee process continues to strengthen national efforts towards the realisation of women's rights. In some cases, it would be useful to send a letter stating what you know of the existing nominees and give reasons as to why you are recommending specific names to be considered (both in your region and in others).  
3. States parties meeting in June-July:  To ensure your state votes for your candidate.

For further information about the election process, go to: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/cedaw/membership.htm