Legal Framework and Institutional Mechanisms

Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Ratification in 1982. Ratification of Optional Protocol in 2002. Main reference document for equality between men and women. Through its ratification or accession to it the States are legally bound to adopt all necessary measures, including special temporary measures and laws, in order for women to fully enjoy all their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995). The signatory countries take responsibility for the implementation of the Platform for Action, in which 12 critical areas of concern for the advancement of women are defined.
Political Constitution and reform (1993). In Guatemala all human beings are free and equal in dignity and rights. Man and woman, regardless of their marital status, have the same opportunities and responsibilities. The constitution establishes as guarantees granted by the State: Family protection (art.47); maternity (art. 52), and protection for working women and regulation of the conditions under which their services are to be provided (art. 102, s. K).
Presidential Secretariat for Women (2000). Advises on and coordinates public policies in order to promote Guatemalan women's full development as well as foster democratic culture. It advises and supports the President of the Republic regarding programs and projects for the promotion and adoption of public policies intrinsic to women's comprehensive development, thus fostering effects and conditions conducive to equity between men and women, taking into account the country's ethnic and socio-cultural diversity.