HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-10-15 City Council (3)TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY SERVICES
DATE:OCTOBER 15, 2002 CMR: 405:02
SUBJECT:PROPOSED RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO
ADOPT A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE CONVENTION
ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION
AGAINST WOMEN (CEDAW)
RECOMMENDATION
The Policy and Services Committee recommends that the City Council approve the
adoption of a resolution in support of The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), also known as The Convention.
BACKGROUND
On April 12, 2001, the Human Relations Commission (HRC) discussed The Convention
during its regular monthly meeting. The Commissioners heard testimony from a number
of Palo Alto residents requesting that the City go on record in support of The Convention
as other cities have done. The HRC was given a copy of the City of San Diego’s
Resolution of Support. At its next scheduled meeting, May 10, 2001, and after further
discussion, the HRC unanimously passed a motion recommending to the City Council
that the City adopt a resolution similar to the resolution adopted by the City of San Diego
(Attachment B.)
DISCUSSION
The Convention, also known as the International Bill of Rights for Women, was written
by the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and adopted by the United
Nations General Assembly in 1979.
The Convention affirms fundamental human rights and equal rights for men and women.
The Convention obligates countries the have ratified it to take action to ensure the full
development and advancement of women in the following areas:
[]Politics
[]Education
¯Employment
[]Health care
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[]Economics
[]Social
[]Legal
[]Marriage and family relations
The Convention states that the full and complete development of a country, the welfare of
the world and the cause of peace require the maximum participation of women on equal
terms with men in all fields.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A:
Attachment B:
The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination
Against Women
Resolution
PREPARED BY: :
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
KATHY ESPINOZA-HOWARD
Director of Human Services
PAUL THILTGEN
Director of Community Services
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
FRANK BENEST
City Manager
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