“Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)” - Embargoed

AWARE’s second shadow report is released. It will be presented at the 39th Session of the UN CEDAW meeting in New York in July 2007. Constance Singam, President of AWARE, and Braema Mathi, Chair of the AWARE CEDAW Committee, will be presenting the Shadow report at the briefing at the AWARE Center.

18th June 2007

Press Briefing

“Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)” - Embargoed

The Association of Women for Action & Research (AWARE) presents its CEDAW Shadow Report on the 21st of June, 12pm, at the AWARE Centre.

This briefing will present findings and recommendations from AWARE’s second shadow report to the 39th Session of the UN CEDAW meeting in New York in July 2007. Constance Singam, President of AWARE, and Braema Mathi, Chair of the AWARE CEDAW Committee, will be presenting the Shadow report at the briefing.

AWARE, as an NGO, continues to add to this process by giving country-specific information to the Committee in this review and critique of the National reports. This 130-page report is extensive, an evidence-based analysis and a co-operative effort that has brought individuals and organizations together. It is also done for AWARE as a base-line report to help map the work on gender issues within a global framework. AWARE has identified two representatives to attend the UN process and participate in the process of advocacy as organized by the regional and international NGOs.

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, is often described as an international bill of rights for women, whereby, States commit to undertake a series of measures to end discrimination against women in all forms and they also submit national reports on measures they have taken to comply with their treaty obligations. Singapore (MCYS) has submitted its country report to the CEDAW committee which will be discussed at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 23 July - 10 August 2007.

This report is embargoed so that AWARE could also work with the media to plan for the publicity on CEDAW which to date is still quite an unknown entity in Singapore. We hope the media will help in this instance to educate the public on this Convention as it s it serves as a working document for both the State and NGOs to work cooperatively together to improve the status of women in Singapore.

Please find attached a soft copy of the AWARE CEDAW Shadow report. (The PDF copy of the report contains the main report. The appendix and reference material are available upon request in hard copy from the AWARE office.)

Details of Press Briefing:
Date: 21st June, Thursday
Time: 12pm
Venue: AWARE Centre, Blk 5, Dover Crescent, #01-22

For more information about AWARE or AWARE CEDAW Shadow Report, please contact:
Ms Harmin Kaur
Centre Manager
AWARE
Tel: 6779 7137
Email: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
Website: www.aware.org.sg

About AWARE
AWARE's mission is to promote a society that provides optimal opportunities for women and men to realise their highest potential. AWARE believes that gender stereotypes and discrimination benefits neither women nor men, and that gender equity is a necessary component of healthy families and societies. Formed in 1985, AWARE is the leading women's advocacy group in Singapore. AWARE's strengths lie in identifying social issues that adversely affect women and families, and in researching the causes and possible solutions of these issues.

For those who are currently in need, AWARE's direct services help over 2500 women each year. AWARE also has an education arm that provides training on diverse issues such as self-esteem, sexuality, gender stereotypes and assertiveness. AWARE is supported by a large group of committed, passionate volunteers.