Speakers repeatedly noted that the treaty, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, was passed by the UN General Assembly almost 20 years ago. Subsequently, all the Western democracies except the United States have agreed to it. His committee has refused to allow the matter to go to the floor for a vote. Woolsey has more than 60 cosponsors for a House resolution asking the Senate to vote on ratification. Failure to ratify it is an insult to all women.
Ratification is long overdue.
She urged that letters to the editor be sent to local newspapers throughout the country. The convention addresses the rights of women socially, politically, economically, culturally and in family life, she said. It specifically requires countries to guarantee voting and legal rights for women. Such rights are what the US constitution is all about, she said. During the summer session, House Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee approved major cuts in youth employment and development programs.