TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution in support of The Convention of the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and request City Manager to identify a current City Commission such as the Human Relations Commission that will partner with California State University, Long Beach to complete a gender analysis study of Long Beach. After the gender analysis study is completed the selected City Commission should examine policy reforms as outlined by study and consistent with CEDAW in order to make recommendations to the City Council for implementation of any policy reforms or additional programming that is consistent with goals of CEDAW.
DISCUSSION
The Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is a landmark international agreement that affirms principles of fundamental human rights and equality for women around the world. CEDA W offers countries a blueprint to promote basic rights and to open opportunities for women and girls in all areas of society.
History and Purpose of CEDAW
On December 18, 1979, the United Nations General Assembly adopted CEDAW. In 1980 President Carter signed CEDAW; however, it has never been ratified by the U.s. Senate, despite on-going advocacy.
In 1998, San Francisco became the first municipality in the world to adopt a local ordinance reflecting the principles of CEDAW; and City of Los Angeles followed in 2006. Other U.S. cities including Honolulu, Hawaii, Berkeley, California as well as Miami, Florida, have also enacted similar initiatives.
The San Francisco and Los Angeles CEDAW ordinances focus on preventing discrimination and ensuring gender equality in government and the private sector. The ordinances cover health care, employment, economic development, education and violence against women and girls.
By adopting a resolution in support of CEDAW (Attachment A), the City of Long Beach would increase awareness of the goals of CEDAW to achieve gender equity in the following areas: political participation and representation, income, access to healthcare, and public safety.
In June 2014, the United States Conference of Mayors adopted a resolution encouraging cities to adopt CEDAW. There are three minimum requirements for successful implementation of CEDAW 1) completion of a gender analysis, 2) creation of an oversight body to monitor implementation of programming and policies, and 3) provision of funding to implement program and policy reforms as outlined by CEDAW.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no immediate financial impact as a result of the recommended action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH SUPPORTING THE CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINS WOMEN (CEDAW)
Respectfully Submitted,
SUZE A. PRICE, COUNCILWOMAN
THIRD DISTRICT
LENA GONZALEZ, COUNCILWOMAN
FIRST DISTRICT
VICE MAYOR SUJA LOWENTHAL
SECOND DISTRICT
STACY MUNGO, COUNCILWOMAN
FIFTH DISTRICT