by Danielle Rogers
Over the last four years there has been a task force of individuals working diligently to pass a CEDAW Resolution in the City of Bozeman that would address issues impacting women and non-binary people in our community. This resolution would acknowledge the challenges women face in society and make a collective effort to declare Bozeman a city of CEDAW
Through the wonderful work of Jan Strout, Lei-anna Bertelsen, Carson Taylor and a group of volunteers of which I am a part of, our community has an opportunity to see the resolution passed in April through the Bozeman City Commissioners.
CEDAW ( The Center for the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women) began in the 1970’s and was introduced at the United Nations as a way for countries to recognize the various inequalities women face, and asked for countries to declare a resolution to address the needs of all women.
The United States was one of the only industrialized nations to not sign the resolution. In the last few years women and men all over the country have chosen to enact a resolution on the municipal level. Many cities and towns have successfully implemented resolutions and now our town has the chance to see one adopted on April 5th.
I am so proud of our community, and I am encouraged by this important stance. As a Biracial African American and South Asian woman, I feel safer knowing our town is setting a precedent in stating it recognizes the specific cultural experiences of others, and wants to create a safer community where all women are safe, and feel welcome.
I pray for God’s wisdom and grace to be with us all, as this resolution goes before the Bozeman City Commissioners. I am a bit trepidatious as I have seen where recent conversations regarding diversity equity and inclusion have become a political way to divide us further and not a unifier. I pray God will work through the fear others may have and open the realization that we are all made in God’s image.
My Mother use to tell me God created her beautiful brown skin color with delight, just as God created all of our skin colors with purpose and delight. Recognizing the hardships a segment of the population faces does not create victims, it creates survivors. It allows us as a community to understand the real stories of women struggling to afford food, pay rent, and raise a family. It gives a voice to women currently living in violence, and lets them know they are not alone; we as a community see you and care about your protection. It embraces our transgender community and says, you have a place here, and your leadership is needed and valued.
At the heart of every tribe and community is a feeling of belonging, a longing for connection and feeling valued for the gifts you were given. As we enter further into this season of lent, I ask you to remember the women in your life for whom this resolution will bring comfort and for the many women in the future who will never know what it was like to live without one.