[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 40 (Thursday, March 8, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S2891]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I want to take this opportunity to inform 
all Senators and their staffs of an exhibit of photographs to 
commemorate International Women's Day, March 8, which is sponsored by 
the U.S. Agency for International Development. The exhibit, entitled 
``Women Transforming Development,'' highlights the critical roles women 
play in development and USAID's efforts to support women's equality and 
empowerment.
  For more than three decades, USAID has worked to improve women's 
lives in the world's poorest countries. Where women are educated, the 
health and economic prospects of their families improve. Where women 
participate politically, democracy is strengthened. In the wake of 
conflict, women play a central role in the survival of their children 
and the rebuilding of their communities.
  ``Women Transforming Development'' will be displayed in the Rotunda 
of the Russell Senate Building from March 7 through 16, 2007. The 
powerful images in the exhibit illustrate women's contributions to 
economic development, peace and security, democracy, investments in 
people, and humanitarian assistance in all regions of the world. They 
include images of USAID's work in Bangladesh, Mozambique, Ecuador, 
Ukraine, and Senegal.
  These photographs remind us of the injustice, discrimination, and 
hardship that women and girls of every nationality suffer daily. Young 
women are targeted and murdered in Juarez, Mexico, and in Guatemala. 
Women in countries like Peru, Chad, and Nepal are often treated like 
beasts of burden, spending much of their day carrying heavy loads of 
water and firewood. Domestic abuse is endemic in most countries, and in 
some, like Pakistan and Afghanistan, women who are raped are in danger 
of being imprisoned and beaten under laws that punish the victim.
  The global statistics are sobering. According to USAID, two-thirds of 
the 876 million illiterate adults worldwide are women. Two-thirds of 
the world's 125 million school-aged children who do not attend school 
are girls, and girls are less likely to finish school than boys. 
Seventy percent of the 1.3 billion people living in poverty around the 
world are women and children. Each year more than 500,000 women die 
during childbirth and pregnancy. The vast majority of those deaths 
could be prevented with basic reproductive health services. And more 
than three-quarters of the world's 27 million refugees are women and 
children.
  Yet at the same time, the photographs in this exhibit also depict 
women as strong leaders and participants in standing up for their 
rights and transforming their societies.
  With Congress's support, USAID is working to improve women's equality 
and empowerment not only because it is just, but also because it is 
necessary for successful development. For example, in addition to 
implementing programs totaling hundreds of millions of dollars in the 
world's poorest countries to improve maternal and reproductive health, 
67 percent of USAID's basic education programs focus on girls' 
education. Nearly one-third of the people receiving USAID-supported 
business development services are women. Last year, USAID provided $27 
million to support antitrafficking activities in 30 countries. USAID 
assisted in the development of legislation against domestic violence, 
sexual harassment, and trafficking in persons in several countries.
  These are important efforts that need to be expanded. Women and men 
together must embrace these goals.
  I encourage all Senators and their staffs to visit the exhibit and 
share in this powerful celebration of International Women's Day.

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