CEDAW is the body of independent experts that monitors the implementation of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. According to Amanda Dale, "CEDAW is the world’s bill of rights for women. It provides States Parties the parameters and supports to achieve their goals of gender equality. It has grown into a truly intersectional tool for assisting and supporting women to frame their demands and understand their opportunities. The CEDAW Committee plays the crucial role of providing the link between the articles of the Treaty, the lived realities of the world’s women, and the states that have ratified its terms."
Because committee members serve as independent, volunteer experts, candidates must navigate a rigorous process: first being put forward by their home country, and then successfully winning an election voted on by the State Parties to the treaty. Canada conducted an open search, inviting anyone to apply. The committee that selected Amanda was made up of government and civil society members.
Her successful election follows her formal nomination by the Government of Canada. On Human Rights Day, a joint statement was issued by the Honourable Marc Miller, the Honourable Anita Anand, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, and the Honourable Sean Fraser, asserting Canada's "commitment to protecting human rights, dignity, equality and justice for everyone", and to "strengthen international women's rights."
Please join us in sending our warmest congratulations to Amanda Dale on this prestigious and vital international election. We look forward to seeing her leadership shape the global advancement of women’s rights during the 2027–2030 term!