substantive equality may consequently require positive action by the state to address the specific disadvantages and needs of women the convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women encompasses substantive equality recognizing that genderneutral laws can have discriminatory effects and that formal equality is not enough to address them its article on temporary special measures the committees general comment no in the committees view the convention requires that women should be given an equal start and also that the state should create an enabling environment for the empowerment of women in order to achieve equality of results also referred to as equality of outcome equality of results is the logical consequence of de facto or substantive equality according to the committee