[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3270]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 8, 2012

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, as a longtime advocate for women both in 
the United States and around the world, I am pleased to recognize the 
many achievements of women on International Women's Day which we 
celebrate today, March 8, 2012. We honor the countless contributions 
made by women in all areas and observe the tireless work of female 
leaders throughout the world who have struggled to attain social, 
economic and political equality for women.
  While there is much to be proud of, there is also much work to be 
done. Throughout the world, women continue to face the same collective 
barriers and embrace the same hopes--to live in a world free from 
violence, to be educated, vital members of society and to possess the 
independence to make decisions that govern their bodies and well-being. 
This is why I continue to fight for women and have authored legislation 
to achieve these outcomes: H.R. 418, the International Women's Freedom 
Act to establish a Commission on International Women's Rights to report 
yearly on the status of women's rights around the world; H.R. 949, the 
Obstetric Fistula Prevention, Treatment, Hope and Dignity Restoration 
Act to aid in the prevention and treatment of obstetric fistula; and, 
H.R. 2759, the Business Transparency on Trafficking and Slavery Act, 
which works toward ending human trafficking by increasing transparency 
in the business supply chains of multi-million dollar global companies.
  We know that when women are empowered, nations are fairer and 
stronger, governments flourish, and society as a whole benefits. Today, 
I salute the immeasurable successes of women and pledge to work to 
create a world filled with greater opportunities for women here and 
abroad, where women are safe, empowered and are heard and respected.

                          ____________________