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Since it became a signatory to CEDAW, Australia has developed many mechanisms for enforcing the rights enshrined within this Convention. At the forefront are the mechanisms and ideals provided by the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) (the Sex Discrimination Act). The criminal justice system, the legal system and cultural attitudes, among others, are also utilised for the implementation and enforcement of the rights enshrined in CEDAW.

;Ultimately we have to be judged not by our highest ambitions and achievements, but by our ability to raise from the lowest level those whose needs that are greatest. That is the way I would like Australia, and every other country, to be judged in the United Nations."

'The convention [CEDAW]... seeks to assert that many women who consider themselves to be both happy and equal in their roles as mothers and wives are not happy... the convention in effect belittles the vital role of these women and consequently the role of their husbands'.

The Optional Protocol to CEDAW was accepted by the UN General Assembly on 6 October 1999 and opened for signing and ratification by national governments that were parties to CEDAW. Its provisions became operational on 22 December 2000.

In signing CEDAW, Australia committed itself to being a society that promotes policies, laws, organisations, structures and attitudes that ensure that women are given the same rights as men. CEDAW facilitates this by promoting non-discriminatory practices in the following areas.

Human rights define the value and worth of each person and their relationship to society. They identify standards regarding the quality of life that each of us can expect to enjoy.

The United Nations (UN) deals with many aspects of human rights and other international issues. Several specialised departments and agencies have been established within the UN to deal specifically with concerns relating to women.

When we were discussing our problems and our goals we often don't think in terms of human rights. Yet human rights issues are embedded in many facets of our lives as women.

Raise awareness amongst your friends, family and colleagues about the importance of human rights - whether through informal discussion, or by taking a stand against inappropriate behaviour, such as sexual or racist harassment.

In 1995, the Fourth World Conference on Women was held in Beijing, China. It is frequently referred to as the Beijing Conference. The Conference was the culmination of twenty years of work by the global women's movement, and resulted in the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA).

The United Nations (UN) is an international organisation of 188 member countries (called sovereign states or states parties). The UN was formed after the tragedy of the Second World War to promote international peace, achieve international cooperation for international problems and advance human rights. The UN, together with its programmes, funds and specialised agencies, makes up the UN system.