Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE        

After 30 Years, the US Senate is Likely to Ratify CEDAW 

 Midland, Michigan–March 19, 2009– Pronounced SEE-daw, the global women’s rights treaty is formally known as the Convention of the Elimination of all Forms of Violence Against Women (CEDAW).  The United Nations General Assembly first adopted CEDAW in 1979, and out of 192 member countries, the US is among eight that have not ratified including Iran, Sudan and Somalia.  Although signed by former president Jimmy Carter in 1980, it was never ratified by the US Senate – an action that is required to bind the US to treaty obligations. 

President Obama has promised to push for the ratification where a 2/3 majority vote is necessary.  According to the AP/Tribune, as part of her agenda for a new Foreign Relations subcommittee chairmanship, Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) is also pushing for ratification.   Several women’s organizations including the National Organization for Women (NOW) and MADRE are working for support.

The Zonta Club of Midland is joining these efforts by asking everyone to write their senators seeking support for CEDAW.  A full list of senators and their addresses can be found online at www.senate.gov.  

Currently celebrating their 90th anniversary, Zonta International is a service organization of professionals working together to advance the status of women through service, education, and advocacy.  

The Zonta Club of Midland has served the local and international community for over 60 years.  Regular business meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month, September through June, at 11:30 am at the Midland Country Club.  For more information, visit www.zonta.org or www.zontaclubofmidland.org.  Please contact the Zonta Club of Midland at info@zontaclubofmidland.org for more specifics on this initiative or any other issue related to improving the status of women and girls.

For Editorial Information:

Jennifer Sigsworth
Public Relations Chair
info@zontaclubofmidland.org

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