The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is presenting the candidature of Professor Rhoda Reddock, Professor of Gender, Social Change and Development, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, for membership of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). This is the first time since becoming a party to the Convention in 1990 that this country is presenting a candidature to this Committee.
CEDAW comprises twenty-three (23) independent experts of high moral standing and competence in the fields covered by the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (the Convention). Pursuant to Article 17 of the Convention, States Parties to the Convention elect experts from among their nationals, with consideration being given to equitable geographical distribution and the representation of different forms of civilization as well as of the principal legal systems. The members of CEDAW are elected for a term of four (4) years. The Committee meets twice yearly and reports annually to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) through the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and is charged with monitoring progress made in the implementation of the Convention in consideration of reports submitted by States Parties.
Trinidad and Tobago attaches importance to work of CEDAW and to its candidate. The election for membership of CEDAW will take place during the 20th Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, on 7th June, 2018 at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Additional information on CEDAW and Professor Rhoda Reddock are available here.
