In addition to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there is the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women.

This Convention, which was adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, addresses rights that specifically apply to women, such as reproductive rights, the right to receive education and the right to work. It prohibits dismissal on the grounds of pregnancy or of maternity leave. The Convention is often described as an international bill of rights for women.

The convention's underlying philosophy is that discrimination against women is incompatible with human dignity and constitutes an obstacle to the full realization of the potentialities of women; therefore, the right of women to share equally in improved conditions of life must be promoted and protected.

The Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women is ratified by approximately 90% of all U.N State Members.

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