Barbara Boxer: “I highlight an important provision in the State Department Authorization bill that is now before the Senate. It is a…”

“I highlight an important provision in the State Department Authorization bill that is now before the Senate. It is a provision that resulted from an amendment I offered in the Senate Foreign Relations committee to insure the inclusion of women in the reconstruction of Iraq. The Boxer amendment states that it is the policy of the United States to ensure the full and active participation of women in the reconstruction of Iraq. It specifically states that the U.S. should work to promote the involvement of women in all levels of the Government of Iraq and decision-making bodies; the planning and distribution of assistance, including food aid; and job promotion and training programs. Three years ago, the U.N. Security Council passed Resolution 1325 which reaffirmed the important role of women in peace-building and called attention to the special needs of women during post-conflict resolution. Iraqi women are among the most highly educated in the region and should play a significant role in rebuilding Iraq.”