March 8th marks the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, first observed in the 1901, when thousands of women poured into the streets across the world to raise their voices against oppression and inequality. We have made significant progress toward ensuring women's health, safety, and economic security. But much work remains. From a persistent gender pay gap to the gender bias in schools, women and their families remain those hardest hit by the failure of governments across the world to provide adequate social services, especially during economic crises.
Since 1970, Legal Momentum has consistently worked to ensure the economic and personal security of women and girls. Our work includes advocacy and litigation to incorporate principles of international human rights law into United States law to strengthen the human rights of all women. Through amicus curiae briefs and policy advocacy, our work on international human rights law focuses on Congress and the courts. This work includes:
- Advocating for the U.S. government to ratify the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), a "women's bill of rights" ratified by over 180 countries. The United States is one of only seven countries in the world that have failed to ratify this landmark international human rights agreement.
- Serving as a member of the New York City Human Rights Initiative, an organization that advocates for Human Rights in Government Operations Audit Law (HR-GOAL), which requires city agencies to examine whether opportunities (including jobs) and services are being fairly distributed to women, people of color and other historically marginalized groups in New York City.
- Submitting several amicus curiae briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that the Court should consider international human rights law and U.S obligations in considering constitutional questions.
While we celebrate International Women's Day and the enormous achievements and contributions made by women across the world, Legal Momentum also recognizes the critical work that must be done to ensure full equality for all women.
- Read Legal Momentum's full statement in support of CEDAW.
- Learn more about Legal Momentum.
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