Background Women who have survived violence experience negative consequences on their sexual and reproductive health, unsafe abortions, sexually transmitted infections, traumatic fistulas, and are twice as likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer. They also experience anxiety, depression, and alcohol use disorders. Rates of violence against women and gender based discrimination continue to remain high despite legislative action by governments. With COVID-19 pandemic, the situation has become alarming demanding ever more serious action in protecting the rights of women and addressing Gender Based Violence (GBV) and discrimination across the globe. The United Nations (UN) Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) has been considered as an important instrument towards encouraging governments to take action towards protecting the rights of women and addressing gender based discrimination through legal reforms. It has been 40 years since the United Nations (UN) Con