[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 125 (Friday, September 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1975]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     INTRODUCTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S FREEDOM ACT OF 2006

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 29, 2006

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce the International 
Women's Freedom Act of 2006. This legislation establishes an Office of 
International Women's Rights within the State Department headed by the 
appointed Ambassador at Large, and additionally, would create a United 
States Commission on International Women's Rights. The positive links 
between the empowerment of women and effective and sustainable 
development are very clear and this legislation would seek to protect 
women's rights by channeling U.S. security and development assistance 
to countries that are not found in gross violations of women's rights. 
According to the World Bank, when men and women are equal within a 
society, not only do the poor move more quickly out of poverty, but 
economies flourish and familial well-being is enhanced. I believe that 
all people, regardless of gender, should have the power to shape their 
lives and participate in their communities without the fear of 
oppression. When given the tools they need, such as education, access 
to employment, land, and economic assets, and the opportunity to 
contribute to civic life, women and girls improve their situation in 
society and have a positive impact on society as a whole. By annually 
reviewing the status of women's rights in each country and designating 
countries of particular concern, more succinct policy recommendations 
can be made to the President, the Secretary of State and the Congress.
  In 1998, Congress created a Commission on International Religious 
Freedom, and the bill I am proposing today is modeled after it. 
According to news reports, the Commission on International Religious 
Freedom has made substantial progress towards expanding religious 
freedom in Saudi Arabia and Turkmenistan. We require the State 
Department to issue reports on battling international bribery, 
religious freedom, and narcotics control, among many others. Creating a 
report on the status of women's rights is vitally important to assuring 
the rights of women worldwide.

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