Melanne Verveer: “Women's empowerment in Afghanistan and their full and equal participation in their society are fundamental prerequisites…”

These values are strongly supported by the American public, and U.S. law, as I believe all have said, is consistent with the principles set out in CEDAW.

Women's equality has rightly been called the 'moral imperative of the 21st century.'

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.

I believe that many women woke up with the Arab Spring, and they will not go back to sleep.