A Women's Agenda

CEDAW’s focus on ending discrimination against women includes a focus on ending gender-based violence such as family violence and abuse, forced marriage, dowry deaths, acid attacks, female genital mutilation, and compulsory abortion and sterilization. The CEDAW Committee has observed, “Family violence is one of the most insidious forms of violence against women” and “put[s] women's health at risk and impair[s] their ability to participate in family life and public life on a basis of equality.”

The 2010 midterm elections will have a critical effect on whether women and families will get the helping hand they need in these difficult times. In the coming months, Congress is poised to make decisions on a host of critical issues, including unemployment insurance, health insurance coverage, and other important supports for struggling families.