CEDAW

The UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) acknowledges the importance of protections for and empowering of women. It is the only international human rights treaty that comprehensively addresses the fundamental rights of women and girls in political, legal, economic, cultural, social, and family life. In many of the 185 countries that have ratified CEDAW, the treaty has become a crucial tool for addressing the lives and well-being of women and girls.

Shockingly, the United States is NOT one of the 185 countries that have signed the treaty. Ratification would require a two/thirds vote (67) of the U.S. Senate and the President’s signature. In order to ratify CEDAW, we need your help to raise awareness of this issue, both in the Senate and with the President, and in our churches and local communities. Nations that ratify CEDAW commit to overcoming barriers to discrimination against women in the areas of legal rights, education, employment, health care, political life and finance. It sets out “best practices” for ensuring basic human rights for women without imposing any laws on governments.