End Discrimination - Support CEDAW Ratification

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, is often described as an international bill of rights for women.

The Convention defines discrimination against women as "...any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field."

Last November, for the first time in eight years, the United States Senate held a hearing focused solely on the importance of ratifying CEDAW – a momentous step forward in the push to ratify this important Treaty. 

Among the witnesses that testified at the hearing were, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues Melanne Verveer and Afghan Women's Network activist Wazhma Frogh. Both of these women push for progress for women and girls worldwide and expressed their concern that the U.S. had not yet ratified this important human rights treaty.   

That hearing underscored the importance of the U.S. ratifying CEDAW and remaining a world leader on human rights issues and is an important first step towards holding a vote on CEDAW. But we must continue to show our support for one of our country’s the top treaty priorities.

Sign the petition today to show your support for ratification of CEDAW!