For many decades the Supreme Court served as the final arbiter in compelling states and private actors to treat all people in the United States as equals. However, in recent years, the Court has rolled back many of these protections and has taken a sharp about-face with regard to providing remedies to individuals for civil rights violations. In light of this turnaround and in recognition of the United States as part of the broader international family of nations around the world, U.S.-based advocates have in recent years embraced international human rights norms and mechanisms as a new strategy for achieving true equality. These norms and mechanisms provide opportunities for holding the government accountable in ways that are no longer available in domestic courts.
These changes will not come easily or quickly, especially given the United States’ oft-espoused disdain for international human rights mechanisms. Yet advocates must engage in this struggle as it is the most promising avenue available at this moment in history to bring about meaningful policy changes with regard women's rights. Only through such efforts will we achieve equality and dignity for all.
Additional Resources
ACLU Women’s Rights Project: Women have made great strides in the fight for equality, but gender bias continues to create huge barriers for many, especially poor women, women of color, and immigrant women. Ongoing struggles include ensuring equal economic and educational opportunities, ending gender-based violence, and addressing the harms to women and girls in the criminal justice system. Since 1972 the ACLU has been working to systematically end sex discrimination and ensure that all women and girls are able to lead lives of dignity.
ACLU Blogs about Women’s Rights