Presidents -- United States -- Messages; United States -- Politics and government -- Sources
We have been concerned not only about the American woman's opportunities,
but ensuring equality for women around the world. In November, 1980, I sent
to the Senate the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination Against Women. This United Nations document is the most
comprehensive and detailed international agreement which seeks the
advancement of women.
On women's issues, I have sought the counsel of men and women in and out of
government and from all regions of our country. I established two panels--
the President's Advisory Committee for Women and the Interdepartmental Task
Force on Women--to advise me on these issues. The mandate for both groups
expired on December 31, but they have left behind a comprehensive review of
the status of women in our society today. That review provides excellent
guidance for the work remaining in our battle against sex discrimination.
Even though we have made progress, much remains on the agenda for women. I
remain committed to the Equal Rights Amendment and will continue to work
for its passage. It is essential to the goal of bringing America's women
fully into the mainstream of American life that the ERA be ratified.
The efforts begun for women in employment, business and education should be
continued and strengthened. Money should be available to states to
establish programs to help the victims of domestic violence. Congress
should pass a national health care plan and a welfare reform program, and
these measures should reflect the needs of women.
The talents of women should continue to be used to the fullest inside and
outside of government, and efforts should continue to see that they have
the widest range of opportunities and options.
HANDICAPPED
I hope that my Administration will be remembered in this area for leading
the way toward full civil rights for handicapped Americans. When I took
office, no federal agency had yet issued 504 regulations. As I leave
office, this first step by every major agency and department in the federal
government is almost complete. But it is only a first step. The years ahead
will require steadfast dedication by the President to protect and promote
these precious rights in the classroom, in the workplace, and in all public
facilities so that handicapped individuals may join the American mainstream
and contribute to the fullest their resources and talents to our economic
and social life.
Just as we supported, in an unprecedented way, the civil rights of disabled
persons in schools and in the workplace, other initiatives in health
prevention, such as our immunization and nutrition programs for young
children and new intense efforts to reverse spinal cord injury, must
continue so that the incidence of disability continues to decline.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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