Commentary on Article 16 of The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination

against Women (CEDAW) which prohibits "discrimination against women in all matters relating to
marriage and family relations." In particular, it provides men and women with "the same right to enter
into marriage, the same right freely to choose a spouse," "the same rights and responsibilities during
marriage and at its dissolution," "the same rights and responsibilities as parents," "the same rights to
decide freely and responsibly on the number and spacing of their children," "the same personal
rights as husband and wife, including the right to choose a family name, a profession and an
occupation" "the same rights for both spouses in respect of the ownership, acquisition, management,
administration, enjoyment and disposition of property, whether free of charge or for a valuable
consideration.

Article 16 holds great power in order to change the lives of millions of women who are still a victim of
discrimination in their household only if it will be strictly implemented through all the member states
of the United Nation. It expressly states the right of women to enter into marriage and to freely
choose a spouse, sadly this is not being exercised in various countries especially those in the Middle
East where religion and tradition dictates and define what and how a woman should be. A very
specific example of this is how ISIS kidnaps women to make them their wife later or worse to make
them a slave. Such deed doesnt even show an ounce of acknowledgement nor respect for the right
of women; they are treated like a thing, an object which exists solely for the benefit and gratification
of men. Honor killings are still being practiced as well, these killings can be brought on by women
engaging in homosexual acts or sexual acts outside of marriage, wanting to end or prevent and
arranged marriage or even dressing too provocatively. Tradition and Religion unquestionably plays a
major part on how society treats women. In my opinion, that is where the challenge is, what
measures should be set by each state in order to create a fine line between what is abuse and what
is acceptable. The real challenge in the implementation of the provisions under CEDAW is how it can
reconcile with various religion, tradition and custom being practiced by each member state. How
shall it be implemented in the face of an adversary belief?

-Marielle Santiago