ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the interplay between the specific gender-based approach underlying the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the child-based approach of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) regarding intra-family relations. It focuses on the triangular relationship between mother, father and child. The Women's Convention elaborates the human rights standards necessary for achieving women's equality. Article 5(a) CEDAW requires states parties to take all appropriate measures [t]o modify the social and cultural patterns of conduct of men and women, with a view to achieving the elimination of prejudices and customary and all other practices which are based on the idea of the inferiority or the superiority of either of the sexes or on stereotyped roles for men and women. Article 5(b) CEDAW addresses the more specific position of women in the family as mothers. Article 11 addresses several issues concerning mothers in the area of employment.
