10 Ways the US Lags Behind the Rest of the World in Women’s Rights

[niyad]

10 Ways the US Lags Behind the Rest of the World in Women’s Rights


1. We still haven’t ratified CEDAW

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (or CEDAW) is a United Nations treaty often referred to as an international bill of rights for women, It was adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, and President Carter signed it in 1980, but to be ratified it must pass in the Senate by a ⅔ majority. The United States is one of seven countries in the world that has not ratified this treaty. The others? Iran, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and two small Pacific Islands, Palau and Tonga.


2. We don’t have guaranteed paid maternity leave

In his 2015 State of the Union Address, President Obama said, “Today, we are the only advanced country on Earth that doesn’t guarantee paid sick leave or paid maternity leave to our workers.” The US and Papua New Guinea are the only two countries that don’t guarantee paid maternity leave.

. . . . .
4. We’re Number #20 in the Global Gender Gap Index

The Global Gender Gap Index, published by the World Economic Forum, ranks countries on “the relative gaps between women and men across four key areas: health, education, economy and politics”. We’re number 20. That’s right, we’re TWENTIETH (emphasis mine)

5. We haven’t ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child



The Convention on the Rights of the Child (or the CRC) is a United Nations Human Rights Treaty that specifically addresses the human rights of children. What does this treaty guarantee children, and especially girls who are so often discriminated against worldwide? It creates “ global standards to ensure the protection, survival, and development of all children, without discrimination. Countries that ratify the treaty pledge to protect children from economic and sexual exploitation, violence, and other forms of abuse and to advance the rights of children to education, healthcare, and a decent standard of living.” The United States is one of two countries in the world that has not ratified it, along with South Sudan. Somalia ratified it most recently in 2015.

. . . .

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[smirkymonkey]

1. +1000

[Gormy Cuss]

2. Still amazed that we don't have a paid parental leave law.

It's a no brainer.

[niyad]

3. you mean, like an actual civilized society?

[Gormy Cuss]

4. Aside from the social benefits, it makes economic sense

just as sick leave and vacation does.

[niyad]

5. and look how those benefits are being eroded as well.

[Gormy Cuss]

6. and how Americans just go along with it as if they are powerless.

A general strike is in order.

[niyad]

7. that is something I would love to see.