[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 45 (Thursday, March 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     H. RES. 149, SUPPORTING THE GOALS OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 15, 2007

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H. Res. 149, a resolution supporting the goals of International Women's 
Day.
  International Women's Day is an opportunity for us to evaluate the 
status of the world's women. As we take time to reflect on our 
achievements, we must reaffirm our commitment to addressing the 
inequalities and injustices that women in our country and around the 
world continue to face.
  For example, we must do more in the fight against poverty. As much as 
70 percent of the world's poor are women, many of them subsisting on 
less than $1 a day. Furthermore, according to the World Bank, women 
earn on average 22 percent less than men. To address these disparities, 
we must continue expanding micro-lending practices and other 
opportunities for women to start small businesses, as well as working 
to increase women's land and property rights.
  Improving access to education for girls is also critical to expanding 
economic opportunities for women. Despite the fact that access to 
primary education is increasing around the world, girls compose two-
thirds of the 130 million school-aged children who are not attending 
school. Investing in girls' education enhances the quality of life of 
women and families throughout the world. Increased education for girls 
results in numerous benefits including lower maternal, child, and 
infant mortality rates, lower rates of HIV/AIDS infection, and higher 
earnings.
  Here at home, we celebrate Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the first female 
Speaker of the House, women's increasing educational attainment and 
participation in the workforce, and the growing number of women-owned 
businesses. While we have made incredible strides, challenges remain. 
Here at home, we must continue working to close the gender pay gap, 
increase access to appropriate health care, and protect Title IX, which 
provides opportunities for American girls and women in athletics.
  I am committed to working for peace and justice for all the world's 
women. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the goals of 
International Women's Day.

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