[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 44 (Thursday, March 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           SUPPORTING THE GOALS OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 11, 2009

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 194, a 
resolution to support the goals of International Women's Day. I'd like 
to take this opportunity to commend the work of my colleague, Rep. Jan 
Schakowsky, for introducing this resolution again in the 111th 
Congress, and for her invaluable work in support of women's rights as 
co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Women's Issues.
  In the United States and in countries around the world, women are 
agents of change, development, and prosperity, contributing in so many 
ways to the well-being of their families and communities. There is 
clear and abundant evidence that when women thrive, the entire world 
thrives as well.
  However, the benefits of women's full participation in economic, 
political, and social life are not being realized in many parts of the 
world. In all regions, women are less likely than men to receive pay 
commensurate to the value of their work, be given a voice in their 
national governments, or have access to basic human rights such as the 
right to an education. In many countries, the United States included, 
domestic violence is further reducing the opportunities available to 
women and girls to lead happy, healthy lives. H. Res. 194 is an 
important step towards guaranteeing the basic rights of women and girls 
worldwide by calling for an end to this discrimination.
  Throughout my time in Congress, promoting women's rights has been one 
of my top legislative priorities. For years I have worked tirelessly 
with likeminded colleagues to restore funding to UNFPA, an organization 
whose mission is to promote the right of every woman to enjoy a life of 
health and equal opportunity. I commend the new Administration for 
recognizing the value of this goal by committing to funding UNFPA, 
including $50 million in the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Bill.
  However, more needs to be done in the 111th Congress to further 
women's rights. That is why I will be introducing a resolution 
condemning the actions of the Taliban to restrict girls' access to 
education in Swat, Pakistan, as well as H.R. 606, the International 
Women's Freedom Act. This bill reflects the goals of International 
Women's Day in many ways, as it calls for concerted action on the part 
of the State Department and Executive Branch to advance the rights of 
women, including creating an Office of International Women's Rights 
within the State Department, establishing a women's rights Internet 
site, and requiring that Foreign Service Officers receive women's 
rights related training.
  This resolution in support of International Women's Day recognizes 
the strength, leadership, and capability demonstrated by women in every 
village, city, and country. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
reaffirming their commitments to protecting the rights of women and 
girls around the world, by observing International Women's Day, and by 
honoring women's contributions every day.

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