MEETING DATE: 3/22/2022
DEPARTMENT: COUNTY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
DEPT HEAD/DIRECTOR: Ray Espinosa
AGENDA ITEM PREPARER: Dulce Alonso
SBC DEPT FILE NUMBER: 119
SUBJECT:
COUNTY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE – R. ESPINOSA
Adopt a resolution to Support Adopting the operative principles of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women. ("CEDAW")
SBC FILE NUMBER: 119
RESOLUTION NO: 2022-35
AGENDA SECTION:
CONSENT AGENDA
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
Under your request, the County Administration office has prepared and summited a resolution to support Adopting the Principles of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women ("CEDAW") for your consideration.
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 worldwide. CEDAW offers countries a blueprint to promote fundamental rights and 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 ongoing advocacy. The United States is one of only seven United Nations member countries that have not authorized the treaty. CEDAW uses a human rights framework to address gender discrimination, ranging from gender-based violence to pay equity, housing, education, and civic engagement. Analyzing programs and services in a manner that considers their differential impacts on men and women—that is, applying a gender lens—furthers CEDAW's goals by enabling decision-makers to be better informed about the effects of programs, policies, and procedures on women and girls.
In 1998, San Francisco became the first municipality in the world to adopt a local ordinance reflecting the principles of CEDAW; and the County of Santa Clara, City of Los Angeles, followed in 2006. Other U.S. cities, including Honolulu, Hawaii, Berkeley, California, and Miami, Florida, have also enacted similar initiatives.
The San Francisco and Los Angeles CEDAW ordinances prevent discrimination and ensure 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 (Attached), the County of San Benito 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.
San Benito County Women's Well-Being Index
When women thrive, their families and communities prosper. Despite decades of progress in job opportunities, earnings, and political leadership, women face persistent barriers. Access to economic security, physical and mental health care, and representation in elected positions that significantly improve lives and the well-being of their families and communities continue to be a disparity for Women. The economic, health, safety, and leadership disparities are particularly acute for women of color who face the compounding effects of racism and sexism. The COVID-19 health and economic crisis have only exacerbated these inequalities, endangering the progress many women have achieved in their workplaces, homes, and communities. California must center women in an equitable economic recovery – particularly women of color – to build a brighter California. Policymakers, advocates, service providers, and community members can begin by viewing women's well-being as distinct yet interrelated components relating to their health, personal safety, employment and earnings, economic security, and political empowerment.
The California Women's Well-Being Index is a multifaceted, composite measure that consists of five "dimensions": Health, Personal Safety, Employment & Earnings, Economic Security, and Political Empowerment. Each dimension is composed of six indicators that have been standardized and combined to create dimension scores on a scale from zero to 100 for each of California's 58 counties. The five dimension scores have been combined to create an overall Women's Well-Being Index score for each county.
Among 58 counties in California, San Benito County ranks 18 in the California Women's Well-Being Index. For additional information, visit:
https://calbudgetcenter.org/resources/womens-well-being-index/
RESOLUTION OR ORDINANCE NEEDED FOR THIS ITEM:
Yes
CONTRACT NEEDED FOR THIS ITEM:
No
CONTRACT AND RFP HISTORY:
N/A
LAST CONTRACT AMOUNT OR N/A:
N/A
STATE IF THIS IS A NEW CONTRACT/ HOW MANY PAST AMENDED CONTRACTS/ OR N/A:
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
BUDGETED:
No
Budget Adjustment Needed: No
Unfunded Mandate (Is this a mandate not funded by the State): No