Blogs

In 2024, the global landscape of women’s human rights faces formidable challenges, alongside notable milestones. Despite unprecedented threats to hard-won progress in women’s rights globally and in the United States, this year marks two significant anniversaries: the 45th anniversary of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the 10th anniversary of the Cities for CEDAW Campaign in the United States. As we reflect on the history of these groundbreaking initiatives, we honor the tireless efforts of advocates who have shaped the fight for gender equality and human rights.

CEDAW’s Origines and U.S. Involvement

In December 1979, four years after the inaugural UN Women’s Conference in Mexico City in 1975, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which entered into force as an international treaty on September 3, 1981, following its ratification by the twentieth country.

CEDAW, also known as the Bill of Rights for Women and Girls in All their Diversity, is a landmark international convention that has played a crucial role in promoting gender equality and challenging discrimination against women. American women were instrumental in the development and advocacy of CEDAW, with Patricia Hutar, appointed by the Nixon Administration, playing a key role in negotiating the convention’s text. Her efforts led to its adoption by the UN General Assembly and subsequent signing by President Carter on July 17, 1980, when the second UN Women’s Conference was in session in Copenhagen, Denmark ( July 14-30 ). The treaty was then sent to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) in November 1980 for consideration.

Despite its significance, CEDAW faced opposition from both the Reagan and H.W. Bush administrations. Although the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) held hearings on the treaty in 1988, 1990, 1994, and 2002, it was never ratified. In 1993, a bipartisan group of 68 senators urged President Clinton to take steps toward ratification, but these efforts ultimately failed.

As of May 2024, the United States remains one of the few countries that has not ratified CEDAW, joining Iran, Sudan, Tonga, and Palau in failing to endorse this critical international convention.  However, while 189 countries have ratified CEDAW, many have done so with reservations, declarations, or objections that limit the treaty ‘s impact and enforcement mechanisms and hold the governments accountable.  It should noted that 38 countries rejected Article 29 on dispute settlement over interpretation of CEDAW.

Both the Reagan and H.W. Bush administrations opposed CEDAW.  The SFRC held hearings in 1988,1990,1994 and 2002, but the treaty was never ratified. In 1993, 68 senators urged President Clinton to take steps toward ratification, but these efforts were unsuccessful, and as of May 2024, the United States stayed along with Iran, Sudan, Tonga, and Palau as the countries not ratified CEDAW. President Obama also promised to prioritize ratification of CEDAW during his administration, and in his first speech before the United Nations General Assembly in September 2009, President Obama indicated that the U.S. intends to prioritize human rights, including ratifying CEDAW, stating “America will always stand with those who stand up for their dignity and their rights.”

In May 2009, the Obama administration prioritized CEDAW for ratification, seeing it as possible after the U.S. signed the U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.  A 2010 White House blog post stated that U.S. ratification of CEDAW “would send a powerful message about our commitment to equality for women around the world” and that the Obama administration supported ratification.  President Obama promised and took steps towards ratifying the important women’s rights treaty CEDAW during his presidency, but it was ultimately not ratified by the Senate. Because the constitution explicitly requires a two-thirds majority vote by Senators present for the ratification of international treaties.

Reflecting on over 35 years of efforts through the Senate, a legislative body, particularly in the current challenging political landscape where women’s rights and previous gains are under attack, we will continue to advocate and push for the U.S. to join the international community in upholding the principles of gender equality and human rights enshrined in CEDAW. However, investing time and energy in engraining the human rights of women and girls in all their diversity at local levels, such as in cities and counties, as part of the Cities for CEDAW initiative, seems more hopeful.

Grassroot Mobilization Driving Local Adoption of CEDAW Principles : Cities for CEDAW

The history of women’s human rights advocates in the United States is a testament to American women’s unwavering dedication and perseverance in the face of unratified CEDAW. Despite the absence of ratification, their tireless efforts and unrelenting desire for gender equality and human rights have led to significant advancements in the fight for women’s rights. From grassroots movements to legislative battles, American women have consistently pushed for the recognition and protection of their rights, echoing the principles enshrined in CEDAW. Their unwavering commitment is a powerful reminder of the importance of CEDAW’s ratification, and their legacy continues to inspire future generations of women’s rights advocates.

Billie Heller,  an American activist, a member of the steering committee for the National Women’s Political Caucus, and a founding member and chair of the national committee on CEDAW after she came back from attending the second UN Women’s Conference in Copenhagen, led the fight to ratify the Women’s Rights Treaty. In 2009, she received a Global Women’s Rights Award from the Feminist Majority Foundation for her 30 years of work toward ratification of CEDAW.   I had the honor of working with her on the CEDAW newsletter while it was being published.

In 1997, a coalition was formed to bring human rights standards to San Francisco.  As a result, in April 1998, San Francisco became the first city in the United States to pass a law implementing the principles underlying and the International Human Rights Treaty to impact public policy.  The coalition vigorously advocated for adopting the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). In 2006, WILD for Human Rights, under the leadership of its exceptional Executive Director Krishanti Dhamaraj, published the groundbreaking workbook “Making Rights Real: A Workbook on the Local Implementation of Human Rights”. This valuable resource aimed to enhance public policy for women and their communities by providing practical guidance on incorporating human rights principles and practices at the local level, thereby contributing to the realization of CEDAW’s vision.

In 2014, the NGO Committee on the Status of Women (NGO/CSW NY) supported the work of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and UN Women.  NGO/CSW NY with the leadership of Dr. Soon Young Yoon, the chair of the NGO CSW/NY at the time that Beijing + 20 was being celebrated, The campaign was launched with the leadership and support of Soon-Young Yoon at a meeting of the UN Commission on the Status of Women ( CSW 68 ) i  “Cities for CEDAW” and joined with two founding partners: The Women’s Intercultural Network (WIN) and The San Francisco Department on the Status of Women (DOSW).

In 2014, the NGO Committee on the Status of Women (NGO/CSW NY), a dedicated advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment launched the “Cities for CEDAW” campaign supporting the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and UN Women. Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Soon Young Yoon, Chair of NGO/CSW NY at the time, the campaign was unveiled during the 58th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 58), which coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action (Beijing+20). In partnership with two founding members, the Women’s Intercultural Network (WIN) and the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women (DOSW), the campaign aimed to mobilize cities and local governments to adopt CEDAW principles and promote gender equality at the grassroots level.  Soon Young Yoon’s leadership and expertise played a pivotal role in shaping the campaign’s strategy and mobilizing stakeholders to join the movement.

In 2015, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights joined the “Cities for CEDAW” campaign to help build capacity and provide educational resources to inform and mobilize individuals to take action in their local areas to promote adoption of CEDAW principles for the Cities for CEDAW campaign.  Through collected efforts led by the partners at the Beijing Plus 20 in 2015, Mayor Lee of San Francisco introduced a CEDAW resolution at the US Conference of Mayors which passed with more than 200 Mayors’ signatures and contributed to amplifying the voice of CEDAW advocates.

Marilyn Fowler, the founder and president of the Women’s Intercultural Network (WIN), and Women’s Intercultural Network dedicated team, including Dr. Gail James, have tirelessly championed the cause of CEDAW, exhibiting unwavering commitment and perseverance. Through the unrelenting efforts of CEDAW advocates, they have successfully advocated for the adoption of CEDAW principles in numerous cities and countries. The Cities for CEDAW website, a testament to their hard work, serves as a vital resource, featuring annual reports on cities’ and countries’ resolutions and ordinances, as well as updates on the campaign’s progress. The annual gathering of Cities for CEDAW advocates in New York has become a beacon of hope, providing a platform for sharing best practices, addressing challenges, and celebrating successes. Despite encountering obstacles along the way, CEDAW advocates unwavering dedication has kept the campaign vibrant and thriving over the past decade, inspiring countless cities to embark on the journey towards gender equality and human rights. Their selfless efforts and their legacy continues to inspire future generations of gender equality advocates.

From Campaign to Movement

As we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the “Cities for CEDAW” campaign, it is truly heartwarming to see that over 70 cities and jurisdictions have adopted CEDAW resolutions and ordinances. This milestone marks a significant turning point, transforming the campaign into a full-fledged movement. History has shown us that focused campaigns, fueled by grassroots support and sustainment, can ignite larger social and political movements. The South Africa Anti-Apartheid Divestment Campaign, the United Farm Workers Grape Boycott, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and Gandhi’s Salt March are testaments to the power of campaigns in shaping movements. Let us collectively reimagine, continue to amplify and engage with the Cities for CEDAW movement, striving to protect the human rights of women in all their diversity. Together, we can create a world where gender equality and social justice reign supreme. The future of the movement is bright, and our collective efforts will ensure its continued success.

Elahe Amani, President and Chair of the Women’s Intercultural Network, is an Iranian-American Women’s Human Rights Defender. With over 30 years of dedication, she has advanced CEDAW through her writing and advocacy in both English and Farsi. Her contributions is inclusive but not limited to supporting the CEDAW Newsletter in 1990s, facilitating a workshop for Afghan women’s groups in Kabul in May 2003, at the request of Dr. Mahboba Hoqooqmal, the Minister of Women’s Affairs , and authoring publications on CEDAW in both languages.