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All About CEDAW CEDAW: What is it? On December 18, 1979, The United Nations adopted the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Support for a Treaty for the Rights of women initially grew out of the First World Conference on Women in Mexico City in 1975. Up until 1979, when the U.N General Assembly adopted the Treaty, there had been no document addressing women's basic human rights within a social, political, cultural or economic context. CEDAW, or the Women's Rights Treaty, is often referred to as the international "Bill of Rights" for women. The United States played a significant role in drafting CEDAW, but since President Jimmy Carter signed the Treaty on behalf of the United States in 1980, the U.S. has yet to ratify it. Today, 185 countries have ratified CEDAW. The United States is the ONLY industrialized nation not to have ratified the Treaty, stalling the process along with countries like Iran, Afghanistan and Somalia. How are International Treaties Ratified? In order for the United States to ratify an international treaty, two-thirds of the Senate needs to consent. This is essentially 67 "yes" votes. Neither the White House nor the House of Representatives are required to take action for the ratification of international treaties. Why Does the Sierra Club Support CEDAW? The Sierra Club's Global Population and Environment Program seeks to protect the global environment and preserve natural resources for future generations by slowing population growth and reducing wasteful consumption. In order to achieve these goals, the Sierra Club recognizes that women worldwide should have access to voluntary family planning so they are better able to choose the size and spacing of their families- improving their quality of life and taking steps toward a more sustainable environmental future. The Global Population and Environment Program encourages both decision-makers and the public to support providing women and girls access to basic rights, including healthcare and education. U.S. Ratification of CEDAW would not only show support for the rights and equality of women, but also affirm the message that the United States is a leader in promoting human rights for all citizens around the world. Take Action We urge you to call or write your Senators asking for their support of CEDAW: To look up your Senators’ names and contact information, go to: http://www.senate.gov Talking Points: When women and girls have access to basic rights, including health care, they are better able to choose the size and spacing of their families-improving their quality of life and taking steps toward a more sustainable environmental future. Tell your Senator that U.S ratification of CEDAW would not only show support for the rights and equality of women, but also affirm the message that the United States is a leader in promoting human rights for all citizens around the world. Write a letter to your local paper and tell others about why this crucial treaty should be ratified. sample Letter to the Editor For more information about CEDAW visit these sites: www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/ hrw.org/campaigns/cedaw/ Photo courtesy of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation; used with permission. Up to Top