Happy Birthday 19^th Amendment!

Believe it or not, it’s only been 90 years since the 19^th Amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote in our democracy was made part of the Constitution. Since 1971, we’ve celebrated the anniversary of August 26, 1920, as Women’s Equality Day.

One great way to celebrate would be to make sure that every eligible woman is registered to vote. That includes women turning 18 and those who have recently become naturalized citizens. After all, as important as the right to vote is, it’s even more important to use the vote to help shape the direction of our nation. So make sure you’re registered and encourage everyone you know to do the same.

Women’s Equality Day is also the perfect time to consider what the United States can do to advance women’s rights as human rights. A good place to start is with CEDAW —the Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

CEDAW is a landmark international agreement that affirms fundamental human rights and equality for women and girls. It was the first international agreement to address women’s rights comprehensively—politically, culturally, economically, socially and within the family. Around the world, CEDAW can be used to ensure primary education for girls; improve reproductive, maternal, and child health; pass laws against domestic violence and discrimination; promote the participation of women in the political system; and allow women to own and inherit property.

The United States played an important role in drafting CEDAW, which the United Nations adopted in 1979. But the U.S. remains one of only seven countries, including Iran, Sudan, Somalia, and three small Pacific Island countries (Nauru, Palau and Tonga), that have not yet ratified CEDAW.

That could change this year. It takes the votes of 67 senators to ratify a treaty, and President Obama and over 100 national organizations have expressed their support for the treaty’s ratification.

We know that CEDAW works: Australia, Brazil, Morocco, South Africa, Uganda, and others have incorporated provisions of CEDAW into their constitutions and domestic legal codes. And Egypt, Jordan, Nicaragua, and Pakistan have all seen significant increases in literacy rates after improving access to education for girls and women. 

Since youth comprise nearly half of the world’s population, protecting and promoting the fundamental human rights of young people will affect the health, well-being, and stability of this planet for generations to come. Ratifying the CEDAW treaty would strengthen the United States as a global leader in standing up for women and girls in countries around the world.

The CEDAW website —www.cedaw2010.org —has more information about CEDAW along with practical suggestions on how you can help the treaty become ratified.

The fight for women’s suffrage took more than 70 years of persistent advocacy, organizing and education and was only secured when a 24-year-old member of the Tennessee legislature, acting on a note from his mother, changed his vote from “no” to “yes” so Tennessee became the final state needed to ratify the 19^th Amendment.

This is but one example of the power of young voices to stand up and demand justice. Let’s make history again —and help ratify CEDAW.