The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) was set up in 1982 to monitor the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.

The Committee is composed of 23 experts, who are elected by those countries that have ratified the Convention. Members of the Committee, who are persons "of high moral standing and competence in the field covered by the Convention", serve for a term of four years and may be re-elected. Though nominated by their Governments, the experts serve in their individual capacities and not as delegates or representatives of their countries of origin. Since its inception, and with only one exception, the Committee has always been composed entirely of women.

The Committee, which convenes once a year for a three-week period, reviews the reports of States parties on the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and evaluates the progress made. It can suggest specific measures as well as make general recommendations to the States parties on eliminating discrimination against women. It may also invite UN specialized agencies to submit reports for consideration and may receive information from non-governmental organizations.

The Committee reports annually on its activities to the General Assembly through the Economic and Social Council, and the Council transmits these reports to the Commission on the Status of Women for information.