A Women's Agenda

In 1971, the United States Supreme Court invalidated an Idaho law that required the selection of a man over a woman to serve as administrator of an estate when both were equally qualified.  The landmark Reed v. Reed decision, 404 U.S. 71 (1971), marked the first time in history that the Court applied the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to strike down a law that discriminated against women.

CEDAW affirms principles of human rights and equality for women, principles that embody American law and values.  It calls upon ratifying nations to take “all appropriate measures,” as determined by each country for itself, to end discrimination against women and girls.  CEDAW stands for the fundamental proposition that women’s rights are human rights.  It is long overdue for the United States to ratify CEDAW, bringing its leadership and vision to this crucial effort to secure equality and justice for women and girls around the world.