Did you know that last Sunday, August 26 was a historic day for
women? Ninety-two years ago, U.S. women won the right to vote after
many years of painstaking struggle and hard work by courageous suffragists.
This historic moment is commemorated each year on Women’s Equality
Day, August 26.
As you know, much of
the work to ensure equality for women remains unfinished. Among the many
factors that have attempted to move the needle on equality for women and girls
is CEDAW, an international agreement affirming principles of human rights and
equality for women and girls around the world. Adopted by the United
Nations in 1979, 185 countries have ratified CEDAW (Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women), creating standards
in the treatment and rights of women.
The United States is among 6 countries across the globe that has
not yet ratified CEDAW: The Treaty for the Rights of Women, the most complete international agreement
on basic human rights for women. (Among the other countries yet to ratify
are Iran, Sudan, and Somalia.)
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reduce sex trafficking & domestic
violence
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provide access to education &
vocational training
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ensure the right to vote
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end forced marriage & child marriage
& ensure inheritance rights
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help mothers and families by providing
access to maternal health care
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ensure the right to work & own a
business without discrimination
Because of CEDAW, millions of girls around the world receive
primary education; countries have taken measures against sex slavery, domestic
violence and trafficking of women and girls; women’s health care services have
focused on saving lives during pregnancy and childbirth; and millions of women
now have the opportunity to secure loans and the right to own and inherit property.
To learn more: www.womenstreaty.org
