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U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women

Updated: May 2015
In the foreground, there are two women. One woman is holding up a large manila envelope, and appears to be inserting her ballot. She may have Down syndrome or another developmental disability.

Article 7 of the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women states:

 

States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in the political and public life of the country and, in particular, shall ensure to women, on equal terms with men, the right:

 

(a) To vote in all elections and public referenda and to be eligible for election to all publicly elected bodies;

 

(b) To participate in the formulation of government policy and the implementation thereof and to hold public office and perform all public functions at all levels of government;

 

(c) To participate in non-governmental organizations and associations concerned with the public and political life of the country.