[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E315]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E315]]
                 CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 2006

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, March 8, International Women's Day, is an 
occasion marked by women around the world. On this day, women on all 
continents, despite cultural and political differences, come together 
to reflect on progress made while recognizing the continuing need to 
fight for equality, justice, and peace.
  Today, I join with my colleagues in welcoming a delegation of Iraqi 
women in celebration of International Women's Day. Although these women 
represent a broad range of backgrounds, they all share a common goal of 
realizing their country's transition to democracy and the benefits of 
peace.
  The Iraqi delegation is led by Nasreen Berwari, minister of 
Municipalities and Public Works, who has fearlessly worked to encourage 
the women of Iraq to seize political opportunities in the post-Saddam 
Iraq.
  I have had the pleasure of meeting today with two remarkable women 
who are contributing to Iraq's future by serving in its government.
  These women will have the opportunity to participate in a job 
shadowing program so that they might take back to their own country 
some of the experiences of women in government here in the United 
States as it embarks on the road to democracy.
  During this historical moment for the country of Iraq, it is vitally 
important that women's equality and rights are assured. Every country 
that protects its women is a stronger country, and Iraq will be a 
stronger country if women are able to preserve their representation in 
the new Iraqi Government.
  Because March is Women's History Month, it is my hope that the 
international community will recognize the struggles of women 
throughout history as well as the struggles women continue to face 
today while celebrating the contributions of women to the world. 
Despite many gains, women are still fighting against oppression and are 
still relegated to the status of second-class citizens throughout the 
world.
  As a strong defender of international family planning, I am a 
longtime supporter of organizations, such as the U.N. Population Fund, 
that have been, and continue to be, leaders in the movement to 
stabilize global population and improve the status of women.
  Statistics show that when the status of women is improved, the status 
of the family is improved and, in turn, the entire community 
flourishes. With this in mind, I will continue to fight to ensure the 
protection of women across the globe.
  Even in the face of adversity, women throughout history have shown 
courage and determination in their fight for peace and equality. Today, 
on International Women's Day, we honor the legacy of those women who 
made great strides in the advancement of women's rights and recommit 
ourselves to the challenges ahead.

                          ____________________