Our Mission

Ensure the successful implementation of the Pittsburgh CEDAW Ordinance 2016-0905 which seeks to improve the lives of all women and girls in Pittsburgh by reducing and eliminating violence against women and girls, improving access to economic development opportunities, and access to quality education opportunities. We recognize that discrimination in these areas also affects the health and well-being of women and girls and will seek ways to improve or complement the work that is already being done at the Allegheny County Department of Human Services and Pittsburgh Public Safety Department.

Goals: 

• Continue to encourage the support of the Pittsburgh City Council members and the Mayor for CEDAW, the committee, and to leverage the information gained from the Gender Analysis to make Pittsburgh a more equitable city.

• Engage the public and build awareness for the Gender Equity Commission and the work they are doing.

• Build support for the on-going funding and implementation of the Gender Analysis and its conclusions.

• Assist other organizations as they launch CEDAW campaigns in their cities and towns.

CEDAW is an international agreement that affirms the principles of fundamental human rights and equality for women around the world and to ensure equality for women and girls in the civil, political, economic, social and cultural arenas.

To date, 187 out of 193 United Nations member states have ratified CEDAW.  The United States is one of only six countries — along with Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Palau and Tonga — that have not ratified CEDAW.

The Cities for CEDAW campaign “Makes the Global Local” by implementing the Convention in cities and towns across the United States. Four cities and Miami/Dade County have already passed ordinances, thirty other cities are in-process. We believe that the time is right for Pittsburgh to participate.

(*) Pittsburgh for CEDAW is a project of the Thomas Merton Center