[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 24 (Thursday, March 7, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

  (Ms. BALDWIN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, tomorrow is International Women's Day. 
This is a day when women from all countries come together to celebrate 
a common struggle for justice, equality, and peace. It is a day that 
celebrates the acts of bravery and determination by ordinary women who 
have played an extraordinary role in the history of women's rights.
  Women have made incredible progress in the last 9 decades since the 
first International Women's Day was celebrated. However, we are still 
seeing overwhelming numbers of acts of violence against women. 
Worldwide, domestic battery is epidemic, and it is estimated that one 
of every three women and girls has been beaten or sexually assaulted in 
her lifetime. We must reaffirm our commitment to ending discrimination 
and violence against women.
  Those who say that ending domestic violence is impossible need only 
look at the progress made in Afghanistan to know that we can make a 
difference. On this International Women's Day, we should be proud of 
the progress we have made, but recommit to end violence everywhere.

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