[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 30 (Thursday, March 4, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMEMORATING THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BEIJING DECLARATION AND 
           PLATFORM FOR ACTION AND INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

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                           HON. RUSS CARNAHAN

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 4, 2010

  Mr. CARNAHAN. Madam Speaker, on Monday, March 8, 2010, the world will 
mark the 15th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration 
and Platform for Action--the most comprehensive global policy framework 
to achieve the goals of gender equality, development and peace.
  While we reflect on this milestone and celebrate the advancements of 
women thus far, we also need to pause and take stock of what more can 
be achieved. To fully live up to the goals of equality, development and 
peace it is imperative that we continue to promote opportunities for 
women to directly shape these policies by being involved in politics at 
all levels, and in all countries. Without this perspective, equality is 
no more than a hollow word.
  The 1997 Universal Declaration on Democracy states that true 
democracy cannot be achieved unless there is a genuine, equal and 
complementary partnership between men and women in the conduct of the 
affairs of society. Even we in the United States, where there are only 
about 15 percent of women in legislative positions and only 33 percent 
in ministerial positions, have a long way to go to fulfill this 
principle. It is important that lawmakers, both here and abroad, 
advocate for policies that empower women. In many countries that I've 
traveled to, I have seen firsthand the need for support from 
governments, international bodies, NGO's, and local communities. It is 
especially important that we educate young women and girls from an 
early age in order to give them as many opportunities later in life.
  Just this last Congress the United States joined the list of 
countries that have shattered the glass ceiling of female leadership in 
parliament, with the appointment of Nancy Pelosi as the first female 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. We have yet to elect a female 
President--although we will surely see that day soon.
  However, the leadership and courage of strong women in the United 
States who have broken down tough barriers continues to inspire many 
around the world. These women have demonstrated remarkable 
accomplishment our nation, and women across the globe can be proud of. 
They are a testament to the power of women everywhere.
  Likewise we look to groundbreaking female leaders in other countries 
and praise their confidence and ability in forging the path for others 
to dare to fill their shoes and even go beyond. One of the best 
examples of this, is Liberian President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. She 
inspired many when she addressed a Joint Session of Congress.
  The challenges faced by peoples everywhere are faced with the help of 
strong women. And today many women still face challenges fully acceding 
to all of the positions and roles formerly reserved for men. The impact 
and involvement of women is critical in reducing poverty, improving 
education and health care, reducing the violence against them, 
enhancing human rights on the whole, and even recovering from the brunt 
of the global economic crisis.
  We celebrate these advancements, but continue to pursue and address 
the various challenges and inequalities women face day to day. I would 
like to thank the Inter-Parliamentary Union for its great work on this 
front and for calling this gathering today, in the spirit of 
cooperation and progress toward achieving the goals of equality, peace 
and development.

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