Priority

WG Members will work toward the Ratification of CEDAW (Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women).

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Rationale

The United States is one of a handful of nations which has not ratified this important document. The absence of its support undermines its final ratification and leads to the unwillingness, on the part of other nations to support related and urgently needed address to problems which women worldwide face.

Objectives

WG members will develop a personal knowledge base of information about the ratification of CEDAW so that they can effectively communicate the need for its ratification by appropriate US governmental bodies.

WG members will communicate the need for ratification vigorously to others.

Strategies

For the Individual

Join the effort to get the US to ratify the CEDAW  Treaty:

• Educate ourselves and other Americans.
• Create a resource list.
• Post the text of CEDAW in both complete and abridged form on the WG website.
• Create a legislative/lobbying packet.
• Join the networks of other NGOs working on this issue.

For Community Action

Organize a local study of how the UN works for women:

• Learn about UN structures dedicated to the work on behalf of women.
• Study UN documents and projects on behalf of women.
• Learn about UN agencies which provide services for women.

For Action at the National Level

Provide tools and information for use in advocacy:

• Post the text of CEDAW on the WG website.
• Host a webinar on CEDAW.
• Create a legislative/lobbying packet.
• Organize lobbying visits to senators’ offices.

Anticipated Outcomes and Time Line

Make concrete progress toward US ratification by the end of the 111^th Congress:

• Win the support of at least 2 new or uncommitted senators. Find your Senator
• Get CEDAW voted out of Committee for a vote on the Senate floor.
• Win US ratification of CEDAW.

Helpful Resources

ON THE WEB

• Official UN site for technical information on CEDAW since January 2008
  Text of CEDAW and optional Protocol to CEDAW
  Division for the Advancement of Women
• US Working Group on CEDAW Contact information for Senate Foreign Relations Committee members
• AAUW CEDAW-Resource AAUW International Corner. Links to talking points, US Government status, other NGO websites on CEDAW, suggestions for advocacy.
• UNA-USA World Bulletin
• WG-USA Take Action — What You Can Do
• WG-USA: Articles about CEDAW