[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 21]
[Senate]
[Page 29203]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN

  Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I would like to add my voice to the 
growing chorus, in the Senate and across the world, supporting Senate 
ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of 
Discrimination Against Women.
  While we have made great strides towards eradicating blatant 
discrimination based on race or social class in our country, far too 
many women around the world continue to face oppression and violence 
simply because of their gender.
  While it may be easy to believe that this only is a foreign problem, 
one that does not exist in our homes, this is simply not the case. An 
estimated 30 percent of American women experience some form of assault 
in their lifetime. And even if women do not experience violence, 
discrimination can take many other forms. Hundreds of millions of women 
across the globe are living their lives facing oppression. Despite all 
the advancements towards social equality, there still exists a strong 
undercurrent of gender-based prejudice.
  Beyond simply striking it from our laws, we must also strike it from 
our hearts and demonstrate that ending discrimination means recognizing 
basic rights. All women should have access to health care. All women 
should have access to education. And all women should be allowed to 
live their lives free of fear.
  The United States has always represented a beacon of hope and 
opportunity to oppressed peoples around the world. While our Nation is 
among the best in ensuring equal rights and opportunities to women, we 
must never grow complacent in this constant struggle or believe that we 
have conquered sex-based discrimination.
  That is why I believe it is so important that the Senate ratify the 
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against 
Women. Ratification of this Convention represents a step towards 
empowerment, not just of American women but women everywhere.
  Ratification also presents an opportunity to reassert American values 
to the world. At a time when our Nation's image abroad is under assault 
and our commitment to fundamental human rights and norms has been 
questioned, it is critical that we reaffirm our repudiation of 
discrimination in all forms.
  The full realization of women's rights is vital to the development 
and well-being of people of all nations. The United States becoming a 
member of this convention is an important step toward that reality.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in calling for the prompt 
ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of 
Discrimination Against Women.

                          ____________________