SUPPORT FOR THE CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN (CEDAW)

WHEREAS, the AFT believes all nations must respect and protect the human and civil rights of every individual regardless of gender; and

WHEREAS, the AFT is a champion for the right of all women and girls to be provided a fair and equitable education; and

WHEREAS, the majority of our members are women, sensitive to the difference education plays in building a strong, tolerant society; and

WHEREAS, two-thirds of the 125 million children worldwide who have never attended school are female, and women and girls who do not receive an education have little chance of escaping the pervasive cycle of poverty and oppression; and

WHEREAS, nearly 170 nations have ratified the Treaty for the Rights of Women, making it the law of their land; and

WHEREAS, we as educators are dismayed that our country, long an advocate of human and civil rights worldwide, has not ratified the treaty; and

WHEREAS, the treaty is now before the Senate of the United States:

RESOLVED, that the AFT, its state affiliates and locals urge the Senate to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and uphold our country's ideal of equal opportunity for all; and

RESOLVED, that through its publications, on its website, and through other forms of communication, the AFT make its position known to our members, elected officials, and the country.