Rapid City becomes first city in state to pass CEDAW resolution

Rapid City became the first city in South Dakota on Monday night to pass a resolution for what is commonly known as CEDAW, or the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

Rapid City is now one of 18 cities to do this. Democracy in Action, the group promoting CEDAW, says it creates a gender lense for the city when they are developing and passing city laws. This means they will look at how certain programs and budgets will impact women and children.

"It says Rapid City will put a focus on its women, on its children, and it will consider them when they are taking a look at regulations in the state and through out our city," said Paulette Schenck, a member of Democracy in Action.

However, the City does state they already have statutes in place to prevent discrimination, but the City Council still voted unanimously because it will provide further focus.

The two women spearheading this resolution, Dorothy "Rowdy" Brewick and Suzan Nolan, are working with other communities to implement CEDAW in more cities.