NGO CSW/New York honors Washington DC with Cities for CEDAW Award

(本報記者/國際組織綜合報導) The NGO Committee on the Status of Women/New York (NGO CSW/NY) is pleased to announce that Washington DC has been awarded the recipient of the prestigious Cities for CEDAW Award. This accolade recognizes Washington DC's outstanding commitment to advancing gender equality through the enactment of the Cities for CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women) ordinance, championed by Councilmember Robert White and signed into law by Mayor Muriel Bowser The award ceremony took place today, July 3, 2024, at the Washington DC City Council offices of Councilmember Robert White, whose leadership was pivotal in the passage of the landmark ordinance in March 2023. 

Washington DC joins 65 other US cities, counties and states that have passed ordinances or resolutions on CEDAW, covering more than 80 million Americans.Ms Pamela Morgan, co-chair of the NGO CSW/NY and Chair of Zonta International’s United Nations Committee presented the award and commended Washington DC for its exemplary efforts, stating, "We congratulate Washington DC on receiving this award as one of the most outstanding Cities for CEDAW ordinances among the 65 others passed in the US. Washington DC's ordinance stands out for its comprehensive approach, including a robust financial commitment, training initiatives, and regular reporting mechanisms." The Cities for CEDAW ordinance in Washington DC underscores the District’s steadfast dedication to upholding women's rights and fostering inclusive policies that benefit all residents. By integrating CEDAW principles into local governance, Washington DC demonstrated leadership in advancing gender equality and ensuring a more equitable future for its citizens. This ordinance has also attracted the attention of women leaders worldwide; the United States of America has not ratified. At-Large Councilmember Robert White expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating “I am so proud to accept this award on behalf of the District of Columbia. The real heroes are the women and advocates who have pushed for this legislation for years and helped to get it passed into law. With CEDAW in place, DC has a powerful tool to advance equity and opportunity in the District, and I hope DC can serve as a model for other jurisdictions that want to advance gender equality.” Ms Soon-Young Yoon, Representative for the International Alliance of Women to the UN, founder and co director of the Cities for CEDAW History and Futures Project commended, "This is an historic moment for the United States and the whole world. The ordinance is outstanding for its detailed call for budget commitments, training, and monitoring of department policies, commissions, and city-wide programs. It elevates the ambition for other CEDAW cities and sets an example to the world of how city leaders-- arm in arm with feminist and women leaders-- can bring the UN ideals of equality and inclusive development home to ordinary citizens."