    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book I)]
    [March 8, 2004]
    [Page 342]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on International Women's Day
    March 8, 2004

        Today, in observance of International Women's Day, the United States
    reaffirms the principle that freedom is the right of every woman and man
    and the future of every nation. The United States continues to work to
    advance and support the dignity of all people, regardless of gender,
    race, religion, or ethnic origin.
        The best guarantor of the rights of women is freedom and democracy.
    Free societies allow for free elections, free markets, free press, and
    free labor unions. They guarantee religious liberty, protect property
    rights, and educate their people. They protect their freedoms with the
    consistent and impartial rule of law.
        Over the past 2 years, the advent of democracy in Iraq and
    Afghanistan has freed millions of people from brutal tyranny. We
    celebrate that they are now assuming the basic human rights too long
    denied them. Much remains to be done to consolidate and protect these
    new rights, but the United States and our international partners are
    determined to continue this progress.
        On this day, women like Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains under house arrest for her efforts to bring
    democracy to Burma, and Shirin Ebadi, who has
    spent a lifetime championing human rights, receive recognition. The
    United States pledges to promote democracy and human rights around the
    globe and to help those who struggle to see the same light of liberty
    now dawning on the people of Iraq and Afghanistan.

    Note: The statement referred to Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the National
    League for Democracy in Burma; and 2003 Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin
    Ebadi.