More and more states are now incorporating these rights into their laws and constitutions. Alongside legal reforms, many governments are also revising their population and development strategies to emphasize individual needs and rights. They recognize that population dynamics and distributions are closely connected to education, the empowerment of women, protection of the environment, and finally, prospects for sustainable development.

Words are one thing, however; actions are another. Not all policies are implemented, and not all laws are enforced. Legal protection may be available, for example, only (in practical terms) to the rich. So progress has been made, but much remains to be done.

Some of the doers are non-governmental organizations (NGOs): human rights groups, women’s groups, health activists, local community groups, religious organizations, and public service groups. In addition to helping provide much-needed reproductive health information and services, many lobby governments to live up to their commitments made at Cairo and Beijing.

To make a difference in the lives of the people, the consensuses of Cairo and Beijing will need to be integrated into the treaty process and made law. Governments must also be urged to withdraw their reservations to the Women’s Convention, and groups and individuals (not just states) will need to be allowed to report violations to CEDAW.

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