Melanne Verveer: “It is just wrong that women anywhere are denied access to the same economic opportunities as men.”

During the revolutions, women in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya were on the front lines for freedom, dignity, democracy, and economic opportunity.

The committee's power only has the power that we cede to it. It merely is in the position to make suggestions and recommendations.

Women and girls are powerful and we know what happens when that power and potential are unleashed--communities thrive, local and global communities grow, societies prosper and become more inclusive and equitable.

All those benefits of women's full economic participation I mentioned earlier--stronger, more stable societies--are also in our national interest.