[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 148 (Tuesday, October 2, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         INTRODUCTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S FREEDOM ACT

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 2, 2007

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, today, along with 
Representatives Tom Lantos and Sheila Jackson-Lee, I am reintroducing 
the ``International Women's Freedom Act.'' 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. 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.
  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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