Rep. Maloney on International Women’s Day: “When women are empowered, nations are stronger”

Mar 8, 2012 Issues: Women's Issues
Press Contact: 
No Contact

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                CONTACT:
March 8, 2012                            Jon Houston, 202-225-7944
                

Rep. Maloney on International Women’s Day: “When women are empowered,
nations are stronger”

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) issued the following statement marking International Women’s Day:

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.

That’s why I continue to fight for women and have authored legislation to achieve theses outcomes: HR 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;  HR 949, the Obstetric Fistula Prevention, Treatment, Hope and Dignity Restoration Act to aid in the prevention and treatment of obstetric fistula; and, HR 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.