[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 45 (Friday, April 2, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E512]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCING THE ``AFGHAN WOMEN SECURITY AND FREEDOM ACT OF 2004''

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 1, 2004

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, today I, along with my colleagues 
Representative Tom Davis (R-VA) and Representative Corrine Brown (D-
FL), introduce the ``Afghan Women Security and Freedom Act of 2004'' 
which would authorize $300 million each year from FY2005 through FY2007 
for programs in Afghanistan that benefit women and girls. The funding 
would be directed toward legal assistance for women, enforcing 
provisions of the Afghan constitution pertaining to women's rights, 
encouraging the registration of women voters, and providing equipment 
to reduce infant and maternal mortality, among other provisions. This 
legislation was introduced earlier this year in the Senate by Senator 
Barbara Boxer (D-CA).
  Women's rights in Afghanistan have fluctuated greatly over the years. 
Women have bravely fought the forces of extremism at various points in 
the country's turbulent history. At one time, women were scientists and 
university professors. They led corporations and nonprofit 
organizations in local communities.
  While the new Afghan constitution guarantees equality for Afghan 
women, throughout Afghanistan, women continue to face intimidation, 
discrimination, and violence. The United States has an obligation to 
ensure that women and girls have the opportunities that they were 
denied under the Taliban and that the gains that have been made are not 
lost in the coming months and years. It is imperative that we provide 
the support needed to ensure that the rights of women are protected in 
the new Afghanistan.

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