The Wall Street Journal: WOMEN, FREEDOM, and the implications of CEDAW: SENATE DEBATES

 

WOMEN, FREEDOM, and the implications of CEDAW: SENATE DEBATES

With staunch Democrat support and strict Republican opposal, the 13-9 majority of the Democrats makes it likely that the CEDAW will be ratified

NEWS

Updated: March 5 2022, 2:35 pm ET

Divided into two opposing caucus groups, the floor is set for rapid debate. The Democrats argue that the ratification of CEDAW (the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women) will enable for the freedoms of women to be fully achieved, coming to the common consensus that the United States of America cannot fall behind other nations in the march of freedom. On the other hand, Republicans remain concerned with the degradation of Republican motherhood, stating that the economy, citizens, and morale of America will fall drastically if allowed to pass. With little time left and the Democrats with the majority, it seems more likely by the second that the United States of America will pass an act allowing for CEDAW to be ratified, making the USA the 6th to last country to do so.

Specifically, CEDAW calls upon enacting countries to eliminate discrimination against women in all forms of life, such as the workforce or in healthcare and in underdeveloped nations, has helped establish gender equality. In response to the upcoming vote, Republican senator Chuck Grassley stated “the Democrats only want to pass [CEDAW] to appease the international community.” Similarly, same-party senator Paul Rand stated that “Joe Manchin was the only member of the opposing group to even attempt to talk to us regarding their resolution,” sparking concerns that Democrats do not want to engage in partisan action, but rather appeasement policies to the international blocs in politics.

Regarding these claims, Democrat Alex Padilla stated that they made numerous concessions to the Republicans, “that [they] understood [they] wouldn’t even begin to touch the topic of abortion, out of concern for ineffective and fruitless debate when there remains the greater issue of ratifying CEDAW.” Democrat Cory Booker, however, stated that “we need to lead an international example” in regards to the role of the USA in ratifying CEDAW. Driving Booker’s concerns was the fact that Saudi Arabia, a country infamous for violations of women’s rights, has already ratified CEDAW while the USA has not.

Returning to the opposition, Republicans remained concerned with the potentially “catastrophic” results of allowing CEDAW to be ratified. Among the common consensus was the idea that should it pass, women would be torn out of their households and into the public sphere. For Senators originating from the Midwest, this brings concerns of childcare expenses and the example of a nuclear family. Senator McConnell proposed the solution of free preschool and a $300/month stipend for mothers with children under 16 in return, an unexpected position from the Republican leader.

With concerns still remaining, both Republican senators Grassley and Rand spoke on their beliefs regarding the role of women in society. In akin statements, the pair emphasized the value of true Christian households where the woman stays home as caretaker and cook. “With the CEDAW ratified, women might protest for themselves and begin to believe that they don’t belong in the kitchen,” stated senator Grassley.

However, Democrats echoed their previous statements in moderated speeches, that regardless of concerns, the ratification of CEDAW will be great for America and enable the economic success of Americans alike as more women will feel confident in entering the public sphere and thus increase the workforce, subsequently raising the country’s GDP.

As the day comes to a close, results of the Senate's debate will become clear when the results of the vote are released to the general public. Should the resolution pass that enables for CEDAW to be ratified, the United States of America will no longer be one of six to have not ratified the Convention. This means that following any ratification, there will be five remaining countries that have not ratified the agreement. These countries include: Iran, Palau, Somalia, Sudan, and Tonga.

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