On the recordMarch 9, 2011
I rise today to express my support for International Women's Day. Since the beginning of last century, determined and courageous women have fought hard and made important strides towards ensuring that women are guaranteed equality and basic human rights. Too often in the past, women were seen as victims that needed to be protected or saved. But today, on the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, women should be viewed as they really are: farmers, entrepreneurs, businesswomen, teachers, policewomen, caretakers, doctors, lawyers, politicians, mothers, wives, astronauts and presidents. While we should reflect on incredible progress that women have made in pushing for greater rights and equal opportunities, we must be vigilant about the facts on the status of women around the world. We know women are still being discriminated against; still being abused; and still being treated unjustly. We know about the trafficking of young women and girls; the lack of maternal health care; the lack of access to an education or basic economic opportunities. These are the facts. What we also know is that empowering women around the world to participate in the political, social and economic life of their communities and their families is one of the most important tools that we have to alleviate poverty.
