H. Res. 149, Supporting The Goals Of International Women's Day

Floor Speech

H. RES. 149, SUPPORTING THE GOALS OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY -- (Extensions of Remarks - March 15, 2007)

* Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 149, a resolution supporting the goals of International Women's Day.

* International Women's Day is an opportunity for us to evaluate the status of the world's women. As we take time to reflect on our achievements, we must reaffirm our commitment to addressing the inequalities and injustices that women in our country and around the world continue to face.

* For example, we must do more in the fight against poverty. As much as 70 percent of the world's poor are women, many of them subsisting on less than $1 a day. Furthermore, according to the World Bank, women earn on average 22 percent less than men. To address these disparities, we must continue expanding micro-lending practices and other opportunities for women to start small businesses, as well as working to increase women's land and property rights.

* Improving access to education for girls is also critical to expanding economic opportunities for women. Despite the fact that access to primary education is increasing around the world, girls compose two-thirds of the 130 million school-aged children who are not attending school. Investing in girls' education enhances the quality of life of women and families throughout the world. Increased education for girls results in numerous benefits including lower maternal, child, and infant mortality rates, lower rates of HIV/AIDS infection, and higher earnings.

* Here at home, we celebrate Speaker NANCY PELOSI, the first female Speaker of the House, women's increasing educational attainment and participation in the workforce, and the growing number of women-owned businesses. While we have made incredible strides, challenges remain. Here at home, we must continue working to close the gender pay gap, increase access to appropriate health care, and protect Title IX, which provides opportunities for American girls and women in athletics.

* I am committed to working for peace and justice for all the world's women. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the goals of International Women's Day.

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