Why Has the United States Never Ratified the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women?

Department

Political Science

Additional Departmental Affiliation

Diversity and Community Studies

Authors

Hannah Elizabeth Kington, Western Kentucky University

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), adopted by the United Nations in 1979, has now been ratified by 185 countries, consisting of more than ninety percent of all UN members. The United States, however, has never ratified the Convention. The history of the Convention provides evidence of global support for women’s rights. While there are complex reasons behind the United States’ failure to ratify CEDAW, the United States’ commitment to unilateralism, an attitude of “American exceptionalism” and the long-term inequality and discrimination against women in the U.S. all contribute to the stifling of multilateral initiatives, such as the Convention. President Obama’s support for women’s rights in early 2009 offers hope for ratification of CEDAW under his administration. In conclusion, an international standard on the equal rights of women should be a priority for every nation, especially the United States.

Advisor(s) or Committee Chair

Sam McFarland

Disciplines

International Relations | Other Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration

Recommended Citation

Kington, Hannah Elizabeth, "Why Has the United States Never Ratified the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women?" (2009). Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects. Paper 155.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/155