What is Cities for CEDAW?
Cities for CEDAW is a nationwide, grassroots effort to encourage local governments to become more gender equitable. Research shows that inadvertent discrimination is common without a proactive review of city activities. CEDAW ordinances require cities to evaluate their programs and budgets and ensure they affect men and women equitably. It is a process, a fairer way of operating, not a separate program. If there is no discrimination, great! But where it is found, these laws help cities make changes to become more equitable.

But what is CEDAW? It is the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women(CEDAW). This is the only international human rights treaty that focuses entirely on ending discrimination against women. It addresses important issues such as:
● Equal pay for women
● Elimination of violence against women
● Support for families and caregivers
CEDAW – Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
CEDAW was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1979, more than 35 years ago, yet the UNITED STATES is one of only six countries – out of 196 nations – that still has not ratified this treaty.* In the meantime, the Cities for CEDAW campaign is bringing these rights to our cities.