R-22-12RESOLUTION NO R-22-12
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON
THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN
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, and entered into force on September 3, 1981; and
WHEREAS, the advancement of gender equality and gender equity is fundamental to
the right of every individual to exercise their basic human rights; and
WHEREAS, CEDAW builds awareness of the moral and strategic imperative of
raising the status of women and girls and provides a comprehensive framework for
governments at all levels to acknowledge longstanding systemic barriers to the full
participation of women and girls; and
WHEREAS, CEDAW establishes a framework by which City of Fairfax may examine
its policies and practices in relation to women and girls and to affirm the importance of
eliminating all forms of discrimination against women; and
WHEREAS, the Virginia House of Delegates agreed to Resolution HR277 (February
2021) in support of CEDAW and;
WHEREAS, the United States Conference of Mayors adopted a resolution in June
2014 urging municipalities to pass local resolutions in support of CEDAW; and
WHEREAS, CEDAW and all core UN human rights treaties are intended to be
implemented at the local community level; and
WHEREAS, local CEDAW resolutions exist in counties and cities across the United
States; and are currently under consideration in the District of Columbia and Fairfax County,
VA; and
WHEREAS, much more needs to be accomplished to eradicate discrimination based
on gender and so that women and girls may achieve full equality; and
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has a continuing detrimental and
disproportionate impact on the welfare of women and girls; and
WHEREAS, City of Fairfax has made strides in promoting a culture of inclusivity and
desires that women and girls living in Fairfax City, Virginia enjoy all the rights, privileges,
and remedies bestowed on all residents; and
WHEREAS, City of Fairfax pledges to ensure the safety, security and economic well-
being of women and girls and fight discrimination and violence against women and girls in
Fairfax City; and
WHEREAS, women and girls experience multiple intersecting and compounding
forms of discrimination related to gender, race, and other factors, including religion, age,
disability, and socioeconomic status; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council established the City of Fairfax Commission for
Women in 1984 and charged it with the following:
To advise the Mayor and City Council on matters relating to problems affecting
women in the City of Fairfax;
To reinforce and support existing human services in matters affecting the status of
women in the City of Fairfax; and
WHEREAS, the City of Fairfax Mayor and City Council acknowledges that a
resolution is a first step toward protecting human rights for women and girls; and
NOW THEREFORE on behalf of all residents of the City of Fairfax, Virginia, and
most importantly for women and girls, the Mayor and City Council resolves to support the
efforts of the City of Fairfax Commission for Women to improve the City's services and
performance on defined and measurable criteria such as:
1. Sponsor and support initiatives that heighten public awareness of CEDAW
2. Collaborate with other agencies and organizations focused on addressing the
needs of women and girls
3. Foster the empowerment of women by facilitating and supporting educational and
networking opportunities in our community.
4. Utilize a data -driven approach to achieve a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable
community in which women and girls of all backgrounds thrive
5. Advocate for policies and practices that impact women and girls and advance
CEDAW priorities.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council of Fairfax City, Virginia:
Section 1. That the Mayor and City Council hereby expresses its support for the
United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against
Women and supports this City of Fairfax Resolution following the guidelines of CEDAW.
Section 2. That a copy of this Resolution be noted in the minutes of the Mayor and
City Council.
ADOPTED: March 8, 2022
19y"'r404ell,'s..
Mayor
Attest:
A/6 L —4.1 — — -
City Clerk
The vote on the motion to approve was recorded as follows:
VOTE:
Councilmember Harmon Aye
Councilmember Lim
Aye
Councilmember Miller
Aye
Councilmember Ross
Aye
Councilmember Stehle
Aye
Councilmember Yi
Aye