CEDAW Article 16

Equal rights in family decisions

A girl or mother can ask for an equal voice in custody, parenthood or adoption, with free consent and the child’s best interests.

How you can use it

1. 1Ask to have your views recorded in the family decision.
2. 2Say: “Consent must be free, and the child’s best interests come first.”
3. 3Ask a lawyer if you are being shut out.

What a violation looks like

A woman is denied equal parental rights, or an adoption proceeds without free consent.

Words you can use

“I want an equal voice. Consent must be free and the child’s best interests come first.”

If speaking is hard, write it, draw it, send a message, or ask a trusted adult to say it with you.