The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women(CEDAW) was created by the United Nations in 1979 and is thought of as an international bill of rights for women.
The United States is one of only 7 countries that haven't ratified CEDAW. The others include Iran, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and two small Pacific Island nations (Palau and Tonga).
We're compromising our status as a world power that protects human rights by not ratifying CEDAW. The Obama Administration has already expressed supporting ratification, but the idea has never seen the Senate floor.
CEDAW provides improved educational opportunities, decreases violence against women and girls, aides in marriage and family relations, and increases political participation.