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CEDAW: An Idea Whose Time Has Come By Ann Ober The United States purports to be a world leader in the promotion of women’s rights, particularly in giving meaning to the principle of the equality of women and men. Nevertheless, the U.S. has not ratified the authoritative document that sets comprehensive standards on women’s equality, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). As of January 2002, 168 countries had ratified this Convention. By not ratifying, the U.S. remains in the company of countries such as Iran, the Sudan, and Afghanistan, where women’s rights are in a deplorable state. The United Nations adopted CEDAW in 1979. The next year, President Carter signed the treaty and sent the document to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for ratification, where the treaty has languished for 23 years. It wasn’t until 1990 that the first committee hearings were held. Supporters have been working with members of Congress ever since. CEDAW is an international treaty that addresses women’s rights in all aspects of life—including, but not limited to, political, cultural, economic, social, and family life. Many countries that have ratified the convention have made significant improvements in the lives of their female citizens. CEDAW fostered work combating domestic violence in Turkey, Nepal, South Africa, and the Republic of Korea. Other countries have seen a development of citizen rights and have used the document when reforming their constitution. With the current situation in the Senate and the focus on women’s rights in Afghanistan, several senators believe with WAND that the ratification of CEDAW is a timely issue. Currently, Sen. Barbara Boxer (DCA) and Sen. Joseph Biden (D-DE) are scheduling hearings. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) has formally requested hearings on CEDAW. Tell your senators that you want them to support CEDAW ratification. Call the Senate switchboard at 202-224-3121.
 At the November conference of the Center for American Women in Politics, WAND and WiLL co-sponsored a reception for women state legislators from across the country. Pictured here, left to right, are Nancy Brown, executive director of the Women's Legislative Network of the National Council of State Legislators; Rep. Mary Jo McGuire of MN; Rep. Nan Grogan Orrock of GA, WiLL president; and Sen. Allyson Schwartz of PA.
Observing members of STAND challenges the idea of complacency often associated with today’s youth. STAND (Students Take Action for New Directions) members are actively engaged in dialogues, conferences, and events with other student groups across the country. Co-sponsoring a national campaign with Co/Motion, the student arm of the Alliance for Justice, STAND members recently participated in an anti-violence art competition. With a new look and up-to-date informational pages on our website, STAND’s visibility and membership are steadily increasing. Check it out at www.wand.org/STAND! STAND is also active in writing letters-to-the-editor in conjunction with the Real Security campaign. Now representing 22 states, STAND members are truly using their voices to effect change.
Concerns about federal budget priorities are not just WAND’s concerns. Every dollar spent on unnecessary weapons is a dollar taken away from programs that serve children, families and communities—programs for health, housing, jobs, education, and the environment. Through its Partner network, WAND is increasing the scope of its work by expanding communication among organizations committed to addressing federal budget priorities so that human and environmental needs are better served. Over the course of the past few months, national coalitions such as Women’s EDGE, National Association of Addiction Professionals, and the Center for Women Policy Studies, as well as local chapters of the American Association for University Women and Women for Peace have added their names to the list of WAND partners. In addition, more than 90 groups, either in coalitions or individually, have signed on to the Women Take Action for Real Security campaign. WAND welcomes the opportunity to establish relationships with new partner groups. To receive more information on the Partner network, contact Cicley Gay at program@wand.org or 404-524-5999.
Making my will recently, I added a phrase to leave a certain dollar amount to WAND upon my death. If my husband and I pass simultaneously, we will leave a percentage of our estate (though small) to WAND. A bequest is the simple act of leaving a donation in your will to the people and organizations you cherish. Why should you do this for WAND? Because it makes sense and feels good! WAND has a twodecade track record of good work. It was and is the voice of reason in this nuclear age. It is steadfast and worthy. It makes good use of every dollar donated. A bequest also has tax advantages: it is deductible for federal estate-tax purposes and generally not subject to state inheritance taxes. You may bequeath to WAND a dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or specific assets:
Join WAND’s Bequest Society. Just inform WAND that it is one of your beneficiaries; you don’t even need to disclose the details. Contact WAND for more information: info@wand.org or 781-643-6740.
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