Thirty years ago, the international community adopted the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the "Women's Treaty." CEDAW is used around the world to ensure women's rights to own property, provide access to primary education and health care and protect women from domestic violence.

But the United States Congress has still not ratified this treaty.

Since CEDAW was adopted, the U.S. has ratified similar treaties on genocide, torture, race, and civil and political rights. Now, it's time to take the same stand for women.

Tell Senator John Kerry to bring up CEDAW in the Foreign Relations committee and join the world in supporting women's rights and equality.

Dear Senator Kerry,

I am writing you today to urge you bring up the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in the Foreign Relations Committee.

We know that women and girls around the world face violence and discrimination daily. We also know that CEDAW, the Women's Treaty, helps women and girls go to school, own and inherit property, take part in public life, and fight violence and oppression. We need Senate action on the CEDAW Treaty to give the U.S. greater clout to help women worldwide win these basic rights.

Promoting and protecting human rights is fundamental to America’s core values. Under the leadership of Presidents Reagan, Bush and Clinton, the U.S. ratified similar treaties on genocide, torture, race, and civil and political rights. Now it's time we stand up for women.

Please, use your position as chair of the Foreign Relations Committee to help ratify this important treaty.

Sincerely,
[Your name here]