Supporting Cities and Legislatures

Below is the status of activities in Colorado communities who are in process of accepting the principles of CEDAW:

Lafayette, Colorado - Mayor Christine Berg and the City Council led the way as the first to sign a CEDAW Resolution on October 18, 2016. Just before this, the Lafayette City Council had established the Human Rights Commission (HRC) to evaluate government programs and processes with an inclusive lens, with a goal to foster equality, social justice, and freedom from fear from persecution, based on race, religious belief, country of origin, sexual or gender identity, physical ability or age. Also, Mayor Christine Berg was awarded the BPW award for 'Community Supporter of the Year' in March of 2017. In late 2017, several HRC meetings were attended in which the HRC was working on bylaws and procedures for their newly developed commission. As of April 2018, Mayor Pro Tem Gustavo Reyna stated that the City was still working on the bylaws for their Human Relations Commission. On July 14, 2018, contact was made via email with Mayor Christine Berg, asking about the status of the HRC. The CO CEDAW TF spoke to Christine Berg at PRIDE FEST 2018 in September-she recommended contacting Lafayette about an ordinance soon. An Ordinance Proposal is being drafted to approach the City.

Greeley, Colorado - The Mayor of Greeley signed a CEDAW Proclamation in December of 2016 in honor of Human Rights Day with a 5-year plan to pursue an Ordinance by 2021. Loretta Scott, from Zonta Greeley, was directed by the City Council of Greeley to move to the Human Relations Commission and present the resolution there first. June 2018, staff changes have occurred and we are in contact awaiting how that affects the resolution signing.

Louisville, Colorado – Mayor Muckle and the Board of Trustees signed the second CEDAW resolution in Colorado on June 8, 2017. Also, congratulations to the Mayor and Board of Trustees for signing a Proclamation in Committing to a Dialogue of Inclusivity and to Respecting the Rights and Beliefs of all Citizens!

Boulder, Colorado - Boulder City Council signed a resolution on October 24, 2017. On December 10, 2017, Nikhil Mankekar of the Human Relations Commission was awarded the United Nations Association International Human Rights Day Award for his work with the city of Boulder on all human rights issues including Cities for CEDAW. Follow-up communication continued with HRC Lead, Carmen Atilano through January 16, 2018, and a follow-on meeting occurred on the 26th February 2018 regarding pursuing a CEDAW Ordinance. Plans included providing a Proposal for the FY19 Budget for consideration of a CEDAW Ordinance. In the background, coordination occurred with the developer for the Family Friendly Assessment Survey for Boulder to support efforts. Lisa Morzel and Nikhil Mankekar won awards by the BPW Boulder Celebration of Women on April 26, 2018 (Lisa is the Community Builder for Women; Nikhil is the Partner to Women). In March 2018, one of the partners on the CO CEDAW TF was appointed to the Human Relations Commission March 2018. On June 14, 2018, a proposal for an ordinance was sent to the City of Boulder council members/Human Relations Commission and staff for consideration in their 2019 Work Plan. New Contacts for HRC begun around June 26, 2018, with Clay Fong-newly appointed Manager of Human Relations and Kurt Firnhaber-Director of Human Services. On August 22, 2018, the City Council, in cooperation and collaboration with the Human Rights Commission, passed ordinance 8249 in Chapter 12-1 under Human Rights. This change now makes it illegal to refuse to rent to someone in Boulder-based on income status/source of income or immigration status. This has been approximately four years in the works and it affects a large portion of the population-women. The owners/landlords must now accept section 8 vouchers for assistance. We are happy to report this update and significant change to support women and children of all populations. On October 24, 2018, the CO CEDAW TF met with Clay Fong (Human Relations Department Staff Manager) to discuss the proposal for an Ordinance sent to the City Council and all staff back in June 2018. No action was taken by the city to date.

Boulder County, Colorado - On June 12, 2018, the Commissioners signed a CEDAW resolution.

Denver, Colorado - Initial contact was established with the Director of the Office on Women and Families-Denver Women's Council (DWC) prior to June of 2016. Outreach made prior to December 2016 and requests made February 25, 2017, by Director of DWC to submit a formal proposal to the Mayor’s Legislative Team, outlining how the CEDAW Ordinance can be adopted to Denver. The DWC and Denver Women’s Commission continue to research and review local level ordinances and practices to ensure support for all women and girls in their city on an ongoing basis. On March 27, 2017, a proposal was requested and sent to Ms. Desmond to work toward a Resolution or Ordinance with the city. A meeting occurred with Skye Stuart (Mayors Legislative Lead), Ms. Desmond, Denver CEDAW (UNA-USA Denver), and the CO CEDAW TF (along with BPW Denver) on June 8, 2017. UNA-USA Denver set out to conduct a legal study on behalf of the CEDAW initiative that would take many months to complete. A Gender Equity Summit was scheduled in Denver on May 31, 2017, with local Mayors and 350 registered guests, sponsored by It's Time Network.' On August 9, 2017, BPW Denver’s monthly meeting offered UNA Denver members time to discuss action plans for Denver CEDAW and working together with BPW Denver. They have a list of four action items that are being worked on by BPW Denver to study Denver's population and crosswalk areas where members are living, defining commonalities for CEDAW and BPW Denver, connecting with Denver neighborhoods, and possibly meet up with some of them to share information and lastly develop (with UNA Denver) a ‘one-pager’ reference sheet with key Denver for CEDAW talking points that could be shared with members so that they are supported in aligning communication. August 9, 2017, BPW Denver and UNA Denver did a presentation for the BPW Denver chapter and had plans moving forward together. December 18, 2017, Denver for CEDAW/UNA Denver had a 38th birthday party for CEDAW and many non-profits and supporters attended March 2018-Report for CSW62 in NYC/CEDAW report addressed Denver’s work on education/legal efforts toward an ordinance. See the Denver for CEDAW website to review and updates.

Durango, Colorado - Initial contact made by Women's Rights Committee of Indivisible via BPW Colorado/Boulder starting February 2018. Contact is Pat Rustad. Their Chapter of Indivisible was supporting showing the documentary “Equal Means Equal in April of 2018.

Erie, Colorado – The CO CEDAW TF presented to the Mayor and Board of Trustees on January 24, 2017, regarding Cities for CEDAW and reading of the draft Resolution created by Erie. At the meeting, the Board proposed to remove the Resolution and issue a Proclamation. The Board then voted to rewrite the proclamation procedures. As of March 2017, work continues with Erie residents to address the possibility of a proclamation. The primary contact has been Nancy Parker-Town, Clerk/Risk Coordinator). As of April 2018: Deputy Town Clerk is now Jessica Koenig. Contact Jessica directly at 303-926-2730 or jkoenig@erieco.gov.

Golden, Colorado - Outreach made in Golden on February 5, 2017, with a Golden Councilwoman regarding interest in pursuing a Cities for CEDAW resolution. The letter and a draft resolution were sent on February 15, 2017, and on February 21, Golden was reviewing information and determining a date to approach the City Council. On March 10, a follow-up email was sent and UNA-USA BC sent a packet of information to follow-up on BPW Colorado's information sent previously. Follow up was made after that contact. August 30, 2017, an email sent to Pamela regarding the status of the CEDAW initiative in her city and offered more information as needed. Primary Contact has been Pamela Gould-Ward 3 City Councilor. New council members then came into place. January 2018, several attempts to contact the council have been made by email. Eco-Women representative Dana Coelho stated at a January CEDAW event that she would be contacting the council as well.

Longmont, Colorado - Packet of information sent in December 2016 and in contact with City Council. Attended Coffee with Council in January 28, 2017, and provided the Mayor with Colorado Cities for CEDAW packet and draft resolution, and sent to Executive Assistant City Manager - provided packet on February 3, 2017. Followed up with City Manager's office in March 2017. In May we were referred to Joanne Zeas - Chief Human Resources Officer for the City of Longmont. We meet with her on May 24, 2017. Primary Contact was Michele Gomez and is also now Joanne Zeas - Human Resources) Communications with Joann were continuing via telephone to move forward on a possible Resolution. July 24, 2017-Email from Joanne Zeas that she spoke to the City Manager and they are very interested in Cities for CEDAW, but time and budgetary needs require that we revisit the resolution/ordinance in early 2018. December 10, 2017 – UNA-USA BC intern completed a Capstone project working with Longmont (her home town). Ambrosia has since graduated and is drafting a Longmont CEDAW Resolution Proposal.

Lyons, Colorado - Mayor Connie Sullivan was sent a letter asking to sign a resolution by BPW Boulder and a letter from United Nations Association Boulder County with more information in March of 2017. Requests to meet with the mayor were made in April and May of 2017. Mayor Sullivan attended the Denver Gender Equity Summit-Veronica Hrutkay spoke to her there about a resolution and the mayor asked us to resend out letters for a resolution. August 31, Sharon sent the letter from BPW Boulder again requesting the resolution. Contact made in November regarding the election to the city council. We were asked to wait until the first of the year to see how all the seats settled out and the agenda for the new council. Contact made via email, no response as of June 2018.

Nederland, Colorado - Outreach made to Nederland's Councilwoman on January 21, 2017, regarding Cities of CEDAW. Email sent to the Board of Trustees on July 4, 2018, requesting adopting a Resolution for CEDAW. Emailed City Clerk and Board of Trustees again in September 2018. No response as of yet.

Westminster, Colorado - Councilwoman Shannon Bird working with City Council around February 17, 2017. Contact with City Councilwoman on March 8, 2017, to provide the information requested. Contact made with BPW Colorado representative working on this city. She will communicate with the council. Primary Contact has been Shannon Bird-City Councilwoman. July 26, 2017 Resolution/Letter send to Shannon Bird for review via email. December 2017 - waiting for the new council/mayor to be seated. January 9, 2018, BPW NW Metro Member Angie Layton spoke to councilwoman Shannon Bird about CEDAW. She stated the council is very interested, have 5 women seated now, but are very busy for a time. Stated to come back later in the year. Sharon wrote to Ms. Bird on 1/16/18 to obtain a timeline. In September, Councilwoman Shannon Bird asked Colorado for CEDAW Task Force to submit the request for signing a resolution.

Jamestown (passed on February 7, 2022)

Erie (passed on Feb 8, 2022)

SUPPORTING LEGISLATORS

REPRESENTATIVE JOE SALAZAR

I come from a matriarchal family. My mother is a strong indigenous Latina and so were my grandmothers and great grandmothers. My female cousins served as my sisters and guided me through my life. My wife is brilliant, compassionate, beautiful and she raises our children with a gentle, steady hand. But, the day my daughters were born – that day, my ancestors imbued in me all their might and fury to fight for a better world for them.

Because of my upbringing, during my time as a civil rights attorney, I have fought against oppressive systems of government and society that hold women down. I have had numerous cases representing female law enforcement who were treated horribly by co-workers and supervisors for conduct that male officers never were disciplined for. On behalf of the Colorado Civil Rights Division, I investigated a well-publicized case of inhumane treatment of American Indian rape victims by southwestern Colorado hospitals. The case resulted in massive changes being made to protect these women.
As a legislator, I have been honored as a champion of women’s reproductive rights by NARAL and Planned Parenthood. I successfully brought legislation that toiled in the legislature for 20 years that strengthening the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act. And recognizing the hardship single mothers face, I have been a consistent supporter of increasing our minimum wage to $15.00/hour and I sponsored the Family Medical Leave Insurance Act with Rep. Faith Winter. As the Vice-Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, I have never wavered in protecting crime victims by supporting legislation that strengthens criminal sentencing against domestic violence perpetrators and rapists. When a black female was beaten in Denver in 2016, Sen. Angela Williams and I successfully passed the Hate Crime Statistics Reporting Act that resulted in Colorado finally tracking bias-motivated crimes within our state.

I have not forgotten my roots, my ancestors or those women in my life who have made me who I am today. As Colorado’s next Attorney General, I am committed to creating a better world for my daughters and yours too.

REPRESENTATIVE EDIE HOOTON

December 10, 2016 - Edie supports all of our Cities for CEDAW task force work in our state of Colorado. She is proud of what we are doing and asked us to keep up the great work in our state with more cities signing on! Thank you Edie.

SENATOR DOMINICK MORENO

May 10, 2018 - Senator Moreno endorses and supports our Cities for CEDAW task force efforts. Thank you.

STATE SENATOR EVIE HOODAK

I believe that now more than ever, Colorado must show its support for women and girls. As a State Senator, I supported legislation to prevent discrimination against women in the workplace, in the courtroom, in the classroom, and at home. But there is much more to be done. We need to outlaw all forms of discrimination against women and girls. Colorado has been a leader in the nation in giving women the right to vote, in providing them with adequate health care, and in giving them the right to choose to end unwanted pregnancies. Colorado has the highest percentage of women in its Legislature of any state. But more work needs to be done. We still have huge wage inequality, and women still have difficulty fighting - and even proving - sexual harassment and assault. I support efforts to continue working toward true equality.

STATE SENATOR STEVE FENBERG

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS & WOMEN’S HEALTH

One would think we wouldn’t still be having the conversation about a woman’s access to birth control and the right to make decisions about what’s best for her health and family. But, we are. And that’s why it’s even more critical to have strong voices in the legislature ready to stop conservative politicians from getting in between decisions best left to a woman and her doctor.
Further, we shouldn’t only be standing our ground, but also moving forward and expanding access to comprehensive birth control. For instance, the government should fund a successful and proven program that provides IUDs for low-income women in Colorado. This program is a no brainer–it saves money, reduces teen pregnancies, and reduces the number of abortions.

EQUALITY & JUSTICE

We’ve made huge strides in the past several years when it comes to treating LGBTQ individuals as equal, respected, and valuable members of our community. However, we must remember that this fight was never only about marriage. Discrimination is very much still a reality for many LGBTQ Coloradans and we need to be steadfast in supporting policies that create a more fair, just, and equal state for everyone, with an extra focus on Transgender Coloradans who often suffer the brunt of discrimination in the healthcare, criminal justice, and education systems.
Additionally, there are still too many racial disparities across our state. People of color make up too high of a portion of the prison population, suffer disproportionally from police brutality, and are much more likely to experience economic disparities. Policies to blunt the negative impacts of gentrification, to increase affordable housing, and to put in place real, tangible criminal justice reforms are in order to create a more fair and just state for everyone.

HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE AND HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER KC BECKER

Ms. Becker has been a Colorado CEDAW supporter for quite a while Here is one of her statements this year:Looking at the potential impacts of legislation on certain groups of people:
In an effort to reduce disparate effects of legislative decisions, certain bills will help legislators to better understand the potential impact of a piece of legislation on certain groups of people through a formal research request. These “Demographic Notes” can look at a variety of categories including: race, gender, sexuality, age, ability level, income, geographic areas, and more. House Bill 1191 passed the House but was killed in the Senate.

BOULDER DISTRICT ATTORNEY MICHAEL DOUGHERTY

As District Attorney of Boulder, I am strongly committed to equal justice and women's equality. I am proud to support Colorado for CEDAW. Through our work at the District Attorney's Office, we seek to support women in Boulder and throughout our beautiful state. As a country, we must do more to eliminate discrimination in many areas including employment, education and health care. I pledge to use my twenty years of experience as a courtroom prosecutor, a leader of prosecutor's offices, and a force for criminal justice reform to bring these principles to life in the 20th Judicial District in the following ways:

Our office will continue to be consistent with the mission of CEDAW. As District Attorney, I will have all employees of the Boulder County District Attorney's Office participate in a review on implicit and gender bias and, as needed, establish new protocols to combat biases that are identified. We will not tolerate harassment.

I also will work to recruit a diverse staff of attorneys and personnel, including through active outreach at law schools to encourage applications to the Boulder District Attorney's Office. Many of our office's leaders are women, in all areas of the office. We are proud of our office and look to the supervisors for their continued leadership in making this community a safer and better place.
I am forming a task force that invites government agencies, area employers, educational institutions and other interested parties to discuss methods of addressing workplace sexual violence. Task force topics will include methods of supporting victims who come forward, protections for employees, and the role of social media as a means of harassment and retaliation. The Task Force will promote resources for victims and offer training programs for employers.
Finally, we will continue to fight for justice for the most vulnerable in our society - such as victims of domestic violence, sex crimes, elder abuse, bias and hate crimes, and members of immigrant communities.
I am excited to join in support of Colorado for CEDAW.

SENATOR RACHEL ZENZINGER

Senator Zenzinger’s staunch commitment and selfless engagement in public service are the direct result of her Western Slope upbringing in which her family members and friends preached the good of the community, and in which resources were always modest and sometimes lacking. At one point, she lived in a home without electricity. In a family of nine children, she quickly learned the importance of self-sufficiency and the value of hard work.
Senator Zenzinger was named by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce as one of that organization’s Young Professionals of the Year in 2011; and in 2012, she was named by the Denver Post as one of Colorado’s Up-and-Coming Most Influential Women. Later in 2012, the Northwest Business and Professional Women named her their Woman of the Year.
"I'm thrilled to accept the STEMx Policy Fellowship, and I look forward to working with these great people and with colleagues across the country who are committed to finding ways to promote this important aspect of education," Zenzinger said.

Here are a few of the bills that she helped pass that affects women/girls in Colorado:
SB18-090 Terminology Referencing “Rights Of Married Women”
Concerning modernization of language in statutory sections concerning “rights of married women”.
SB18-095 Outdated References To “Illegitimate” Children
Concerning the removal of statutory references to the marital status of parents of a child.
HB18-1018 Human Trafficking Commercial Driver’s License
Concerning a requirement that education to prevent human trafficking be included in the training to obtain a commercial driver’s license.

THE FOLLOWING CITIES HAVE PASSED ORDINANCES OR RESOLUTIONS SUPPORTING CEDAW:

California

Berkeley, California
Daly City, California
Glendale, California
Long Beach, California
Los Angeles, California
San Francisco, California
Santa Monica, California
West Hollywood, California

Colorado (in order of resolution/ordinance signed)

Lafayette, Colorado - The City of Lafayette signed a Resolution in October of 2016. See above for more information.
Louisville, Colorado - Louisville City Council signed a Resolution on June 8, 2017.
Boulder, Colorado - Boulder City Council signed off on a resolution on October 24, 2017. Ordinance proposal sent in June 2018.
Boulder County, Colorado - Boulder County Commissioners signed a resolution on June 12, 2018.

Florida

Miami Dade County, Florida
St. Petersburg, Florida
Tampa, Florida

Hawaii

Honolulu, Hawaii

Kentucky

Louisville, Kentucky

Minnesota

Edina, Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
St. Paul, Minnesota

Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri
University City, Missouri

Ohio

Cincinnati, Ohio

Oregon

Eugene, Oregon

Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh

Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah

District of Columbia

Washington D.C.

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