Tag: CEDAW

The United Nations Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is a human rights treaty and enforcement agency that aims to ensure global gender-based rights in all aspects: social, cultural, economic, political and civil. The treaty has been adopted by every country in the World except six: Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Palau, Tonga and the U.S.

Ms. Global: Historic Kenyan Elections; Malaysia Passes Anti-Sexual Harassment Bill; Germany Introduces Self-Determination Act

and

The U.S. ranks as the 19th most dangerous country for women, 11th in maternal mortality, 30th in closing the gender pay gap, 75th in women’s political representation, and painfully lacks paid family leave and equal access to health care. But Ms. has always understood: Feminist movements around the world hold answers to some of the U.S.’s most intractable problems. Ms. Global is taking note of feminists worldwide.

This week: news from India, Germany, Malaysia, Iran, and more.

Local Implementation of CEDAW Is at an Inflection Point

Since 1998, dozens of local governments across the U.S. have passed measures implementing the U.N. Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)—most recently, Los Angeles County. the most populous local jurisdiction in the country.

CEDAW has been ratified by every country in the world, except for six: Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Palau, Tonga and the U.S. Although President Carter signed CEDAW in 1980, the Senate has never approved the treaty by a two-thirds vote, as the Constitution. In response to the U.S.’s failure to ratify the treaty, grassroots advocates have focused on passing local measures that embody the key principles of CEDAW.