Political Quotes

“This morning I wish to pick just one of these amazing women and tell her story. Shad Begum is the executive director of the Union of Women's Welfare in one of the most extremely conservative districts in all of Pakistan. As the founder and executive director of the program the Union of Women's Welfare, she provides political training, microcredit, primary education, and health services to women throughout her community. She not only encouraged others to run for office, she herself ran for a district counselor seat in 2001 and 2005, winning the seat against local conservatives who tried to ban women from participating. Despite numerous threats to her life and her family, including calls for suicide attacks against her by local extremists, she continues to work to improve the lives of women throughout Pakistan. Ms. Shad is one of 10 remarkable women the State Department honored this year. Every one of these 10 stories is inspirational, but they also represent literally millions of women around the globe who are out there fighting and suffering to be heard. There are countless women who don't receive the recognition they deserve and who continue to be silenced by persecution and harassment. Today we recognize, honor, and celebrate all of those nameless, faceless women around the world who are continuing the fight. Far too many women remain excluded from full participation in society, to the detriment of their communities, their countries, and the world.…”