Schakowsky joined other House Democratic women members in delivering a letter to Helms calling on the Chairmen to remove his hold on the United Nations Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). 

CEDAW is the most comprehensive international treaty advancing the status of women.  This agreement establishes rights for women in areas not previously subject to international standards, including politics, law, employment, education, and health care.

"There is no excuse for Senator Helms to hold this treaty hostage.  One hundred and sixty nations have ratified this very important treaty.  It is embarrassing that on the dawn of the twenty-first century, and because of one man, the United States is falling short of its obligation to women.  We are the oldest democracy on earth, yet by failing to take action on CEDAW, we are sending the wrong signal to women throughout the world," Schakowsky said.

The treaty formally codifies women's equality and promotes women's inclusion in business, government, and other economic and social sectors.  It provides a universal definition of discrimination and establishes clear guidelines to nations practicing discrimination against women.  In countries with few protections for women, CEDAW can be used to combat violence against women and ensure equal pay, among other things.  CEDAW also sets up an international committee to ensure that nations are adhering to the treaty's guidelines, which the United States cannot participate in if it fails to ratify the treaty.

The treaty has languished in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee since 1994.