Number
191069
Version
SUBSTITUTE 2
Reference
Sponsor
COMMON COUNCIL
Title
Substitute resolution supporting the principles of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Analysis
This resolution expresses the Common Council’s support for the principles of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and creates a partnership between the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and the City of Milwaukee Equal Rights Commission to analyze public- and private-sector efforts to adhere to the principles of CEDAW.
Body
Whereas, The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against
Women (CEDAW), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 18, 1979, became an international treaty as of September 3, 1981, and 189 UN member nations out of 193 have agreed to be bound by CEDAW’s provisions; and
Whereas, CEDAW provides a comprehensive framework for the public and private sectors to examine their policies and practices in relation to women and girls, specifically in relation to gender discrimination; and
Whereas, Local governments have an appropriate and legitimate role in affirming the importance of eliminating all forms of discrimination against women and girls in their communities by applying the universal norms and guidelines specified by CEDAW; and
Whereas, There is a need to strengthen existing local mechanisms, institutions and procedures and to provide adequate resources, commitment and authority to advise on the impact of local government policies on women and girls; and
Whereas, There is a need to comprehensively monitor the situation of women and girls in recognition of the interconnectedness of discrimination based on gender, race and other social criteria; and
Whereas, There is a need to formulate new policies and techniques to effectively carry out strategies and measures to eliminate discrimination; and
Whereas, More than 30 cities in the US have adopted legislation in support of the principles of the CEDAW; and
Whereas, On July 24, 2019, the Milwaukee Equal Rights Commission passed a resolution supporting the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women; and
Whereas, Local representatives of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, a non-profit, non-governmental organization working to bring together women of different political views and philosophical and religious backgrounds, determined to study and make known the causes of war, work for a permanent peace, and unite women worldwide who oppose oppression and exploitation, have been consistent advocates for the CEDAW and have urged local governments to express their support for its principles; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Common Council supports the principles of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City of Milwaukee is committed to eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls, to promoting the health and safety of women and girls, and to affording them equal academic, economic, and business opportunities; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and the City of Milwaukee Equal Rights Commission shall update the Common Council regarding public- and private-sector efforts to adhere to the principles of CEDAW within 12 months of adoption of this resolution.
Requester
Drafter
LRB175267-3
Alex Highley
1/28/2019