Frequently Asked Questions - Questions About Zonta Activities

What is CEDAW?

CEDAW is a landmark international agreement that affirms principles of fundamental human rights and equality for women around the world.  It has been used to reduce sex trafficking and domestic abuse; provide access to education and vocational training; ensure women's right to vote; improve maternal health care; ensure the ability to work and own a business without discrimination; end forced marriage and child marriage; and ensure inheritance rights.

Adopted by the United Nations in 1979 and signed by President Carter in 1980, CEDAW has since been ratified by 186 out of 193 countries.  The United States is one of only 7 countries - including Iran, Sudan, Somalia and three small Pacific Island nations - that have not ratified CEDAW.  Ratifying CEDAW would give America greater clout to help women worldwide win basic human rights - to go to school, to own and inherit property, to take part in public life and to stop domestic violence and trafficking.  Women of the world are calling for U.S. ratification as a strong signal that promoting women's rights as human rights is a priority.