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SALT LAKE CITY CORPORATION
RESOLUTION NO. 9 OF 2016
Joint resolution in support of the Cities for CEDAW Initiative
WHEREAS, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) was adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on December 18, 1979; became an international treaty as of September 3, 1981; and by which 186 UN member nations have agreed to be bound; and
Whereas, in the absence of federal action by the United States government, Cities for CEDAW was launched at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in March 2014; in June 2014 a resolution at the US Conference of Mayors was passed urging cities across the United States to participate in the Cities for CEDAW Initiative by passing resolutions and ordinances implementing the principles of CEDAW; which resolution was passed unanimously; and
Whereas, city governments have an appropriate and legitimate role to affirm the importance of principles of equality embodied in the treaty; promote the establishment of fair public policy; to elevate community norms; and
Whereas, CEDAW provides a comprehensive framework for governments to examine policies and practices in relation to women and girls; and
Whereas, although women have made major gains in the struggle for equality in many spheres of community life, working women in the State of Utah still do not receive equal pay for equal work; and
WHEREAS, the Salt Lake City Human Rights Commission, in its 2013 Status of Women in Salt Lake City report, identified other disparities, including those in education, health and safety, politics, social life and economics; and recommended initiatives focused on addressing those disparities, and
Whereas, Salt Lake City government is committed to eliminating all forms of inequity against women and girls – eliminating violence against women and girls, promoting the health and safety of women and girls, and affording equal academic, economic and political opportunities to women and girls in Salt Lake City; and
Whereas, a local CEDAW ordinance seeks three standards: a gender analysis of City departments and commissions; an advisory body to advocate and inform appropriate and timely actions; and funding to support the implementation of the principles of CEDAW.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED
that the Salt Lake City Council and Mayor of Salt Lake City encourage and support Salt Lake City’s participation in the Cities for CEDAW initiative and the passage of local resolutions reflecting the principles of CEDAW.
Passed by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, this 22nd day of March, 2016.