Values of Gender Equality by the United States Government - Essay Example

 The Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (or CEDAW for short) is, in general, regarded as a “bill of rights” for women. “The United Nations has encouraged states to recognize women's rights, most importantly through the CEDAW, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1979” (Inglehart and Pippa 7). It aims at creating a number of acts that will ensure gender equality and protect women from all forms of discrimination. CEDAW is ratified by over 180 countries. The bill consists of a preamble which includes 30 articles addressing the issues of discrimination against women. Being an international human rights treaty, it targets a number of issues which may involve gender discrimination. According to the convention, policies have to be framed to prevent sex discrimination, to secure equal pay, maternity, and reproductive rights, and to increase opportunities for women in the workforce, education, and society as a whole (Inglehart and Pippa 7). The U.S government has refused the ratification of this treaty over the years. It is my belief that the basis of the opposition is not strong enough to be considered and that the U.S must accept the treaty for the betterment of the nation and to show its global stance in promoting gender equality. Significance of CEDAW and legislative amendments When a state commits to the conventions of CEDAW, there are certain measures which are expected to be taken by them to ensure that they will prevent any form of gender inequality. The measures include incorporation of laws that will ensure the equality of men and women in the general society. In particular, it ensures protection to women against any discriminatory acts or acts of violence, and the assurance that the state will prevent any discrimination that may be directed towards women in public, at home, or at work. The significance of this convention lies in the fact that it strives to realize gender equality. Importantly, the convention provides states with a useful framework for legislative policies that will prevent all forms of discrimination, setting clear standards of gender equality. Using that framework, states can bring in appropriate laws and legislations to ensure that women get equal opportunities in every field, including politics, health, education, employment, and the right to vote. The states that commit to the convention will take appropriate legislative measures and make certain temporary and special amendments to make sure that women will enjoy their full freedom and equal rights in every discipline (Wrigley). CEDAW is perhaps the only treaty, which recognizes that most gender biases are an outcome of the traditional and cultural influences on the society. Countries that agree to be a part of the convention require submitting reports every few years to show progress in the subject of discrimination against women. They are also legally bound to accept and satisfy the treaty obligations, which would ensure that the goal of the convention is achieved without negligence. Opposition to CEDAW in the United States As for the US stance regarding CEDAW is concerned, it has not been ratified by the US government even after more than 30 years of its establishment. This non-ratification is mainly due to considerable opposition from the conservative or right wing groups. The convention has been passed thrice in the past and aborted due to the opposition from conservative groups like the Republican Party. In order for the bill to be passed, it requires more than two thirds of the Senate to vote in favor of the bill. The bill was signed by then President Jimmy Carter in 1980 but it was dropped due to lack of vote. Similarly, in 1994, due to initiatives of the then President Bill Clinton, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed the treaty but was dropped as a result of political manipulation and opposition from the Republican Party. CEDAW is mainly opposed by the conservative or right wing groups due to number of reasons, and that is preventing the ratification of the treaty. For example, the conservatives view any ratification of human rights based treaties as a contravention to American sovereignty. In addition, their opposition is based on the belief that by including the clause “equal health care, including those related to family” would imply that women would be given the right to get an abortion, promoting it in a certain way. Another group which opposed the treaty believes that it would bring the nation closer to same sex marriage, putting the traditional family structure in jeopardy. They further insist that it will set them in the wrong direction, as CEDAW provides legal rights to support abortion (Jang 184). Apart from these issues, the conservative groups opine that women in the US are already occupying higher positions in American organizations, and so conventions like CEDAW are unnecessary. However, the fact is that an exclusionary and managerialist culture is marginalizing and demoralizing women; second, curtailing career opportunities, including a lack of gender equity in promotion and tenure; and third breaking up of a critical mass of women (Verbos and Dykstra 372). So, because of these reasons, CEDAW is being opposed by certain sections of the American society thereby restricting gender equality. Reasons that necessitate the ratification of CEDAW There are several reasons why CEDAW has to be ratified and accepted by the United States and its people. Considering the fact that the U.S is the most ardent supporter of human rights and women’s rights throughout the course of the history, they are expected to ratify a treaty that promotes gender equality and must come forward to join the fight against discriminatory acts (Inglehart and Pippa). The U.S, which is considered to be very forward in issues of freedom and rights, has now taken the sides of other nations such as Iran and Korea, where the violation of women’s rights is highest. The U.S. is always looked up by other nations in matters of key social and international issues. However, this non-ratification by the U.S. makes the treaty weaker which is a bad news for gender equality and women’s rights. By refusing to accept the treaty, the U.S being the only industrialized country which has not accepted the treaty, is under the risk of facing isolationism. This means that U.S will not hold the same place in the international community since it expresses an unwillingness to promote a global effort which aims at gender equality. It may be worth noting that all of the closest allies of the United States have signed the treaty already. The U.S law, which has already incorporated a number of legislative reforms, would not require making major changes in its legislation in order to ratify the treaty. The convention which comprises of a number of articles is in absolute accordance with the U.S principles of equality according to its constitution. The acceptation of the CEDAW convention would not violate any of the U.S laws since it is not a “self executing” treaty. This would ensure that legislation would have to be passed before any of the provisions are implemented. Just as the U.S has done with many treaties in the past, this treaty also allows declarations and discrepancies. Next, CEDAW is the only international human rights treaty that affirms women’s reproductive rights. The convention gives women apt rights and opportunities to work in any aspect of organization. Involving the women in workforce not only elevate those women’s status and living conditions but also accentuate economic activity as a whole. “Better-educated women can undertake higher-value economic activity” thereby contributing optimally to the nation’s economic growth (Ward, Lee and Baptist 8). In addition, the convention provides the women the right to decide responsibly on the number and spacing of children. It provides women with the information, education and opportunities to allow them to exercise their freedom regarding the same. “Women’s access to education and economic opportunities is more likely to lead to greater investments in the human capital of their children, as suggested by a considerable body of micro-level evidence” (Naila and Natali 9). So, based on the number of positive and constructive features CEDAW has for the protection of gender equality, it is paramount on the part of the U.S. to ratify this treaty. Personal Perspective It is my belief that the U.S government must see the advantages of such a treaty, which would put a lot of safety and strength in the hands of women, by giving them the right to decide upon their lives including that of their children, in regard to which they often face problems. Considering that it is the only treaty that gives them rights regarding family relations, marriage, and reproductive rights, it would make a positive difference to the women who face challenges in everyday life. Since the U.S. has always taken a lot of interest in nourishing values of gender equality, it would be necessary to ratify this treaty for global encouragement of the same. It would only be wise for the U.S government to accept the treaty and maintain its position in the international community. Under all circumstances, the convention must be accepted by the United States government for the various reasons stated. Works Cited Inglehart, Ronald, and Pippa Norris. Rising Tide: Gender Equality and Cultural Change Around the World. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2003. Print. Jang, Jaehee. “Gender and Pregnancy Bias in the Workplace.” Tennessee Journal of Race, Gender, & Social Justice, 1. 1 (2012): 179-185. Kabeer, Naila, and Luisa Natali. “Gender Equality and Economic Growth: Is There a Win-Win?” Ids Working Papers, 2013.417 (2013): 1-58. Ward, John, Bernice Lee, and Simon Baptist. Evidence for Action: Gender Equality And Economic Growth. Royal Institute of International Affairs, 2010. Print. Verbos, Amy Klemm and De Vee E. Dykstra. “Female Business Faculty Attrition: Paths through the Labyrinth.” Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, 33. 4 (2010): 372 - 383. Wrigley, Julia. Education and Gender Equality. London: Falmer Press, 1992. Read More