[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 24 (Thursday, February 8, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      INTRODUCTION OF THE ``AFGHAN WOMEN EMPOWERMENT ACT OF 2007''

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 8, 2007

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, today I introduce the 
``Afghan Women Empowerment Act of 2007'' which would authorize $45 
million each year from FY2008 through FY2010 for programs in 
Afghanistan that benefit women and girls as well as the Afghan 
Independent Human Rights Commission and the Afghan Ministry of Women's 
Affairs. The funding would be directed toward important needs including 
medical care, education, vocational training, protection from violence, 
legal assistance, and civil participation. 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 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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