“Zwingel’s authoritative treatment of the CEDAW convention from a social science perspective fills a gaping hole in the literature on feminist international governance. It confirms her as the foremost expert on the politics of CEDAW with a deep knowledge of not only the text and its legal ramifications, but also of all that went into producing it, the contestations around it as it has matured, and the uses it has been put to in different contexts. Engagingly written and based on deeply considered conceptualizations, the book brings to life an understudied key instrument of global feminist politics.” (Elisabeth Prügl, Professor of International Relations, Graduate Institute, Switzerland)

“This compelling and meticulous in-depth study of the evolution and impact of CEDAW demonstrates the potential of international norms to become instruments of social transformation and gender justice. It brings theoretical insight and empirical rigour to address the question: how far can international norms like CEDAW reach? This book breaks new ground and greatly enhances our understanding of the relevance of global gender equality mechanisms and the crucial work of “norm translation” activists who “stitch together” international women’s rights discourse and contextualised practice on the ground. An innovative and important intervention.” (Fiona Mackay, Professor of Politics, University of Edinburgh, UK)