[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 32 (Thursday, February 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E317]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SUPPORTING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 2003

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a resolution 
supporting the goals of International Women's Day. International 
Women's Day is celebrated each year on March 8 by the United Nations 
and millions of people around the world in recognition of the 
contributions of women and men throughout history who have worked for 
gender equality and in acknowledgement of the work that has yet to be 
done.
  I am proud to be joined in this effort by the gentlewoman from 
Illinois (Mrs. Biggert), the gentlewoman from California, our 
distinguished Democratic Leader (Ms. Pelosi), and the gentleman from 
California, the ranking Democrat on the International Relations 
Committee (Mr. Lantos), and several other members. I also want to 
acknowledge the assistance my colleague from Illinois, the 
distinguished Chairman of the International Relations Committee (Mr. 
Hyde), has given me.
  Women all over the world contribute to the security and well-being of 
their communities, families, and nations. Yet, women still have yet to 
achieve full political and economic equality and millions of women 
continue to face discrimination, abuse, and violence in their daily 
lives. International Women's Day serves as a time to recognize this 
reality and to join together across cultures, languages, nations, 
ethnicities, and income levels to celebrate a common commitment for 
equality and justice.
  It is my hope that this Resolution will find unanimous support in the 
House of Representatives as a demonstration of the commitment members 
share to working for fairness and justice for all people around the 
world.
  I urge the House leadership to schedule this measure for a vote next 
week so that the members of the House may join our international 
partners in recognition of International Women's Day.

                          ____________________