Capito Urges More Women to Enter Public Service

Capito Urges More Women to Enter Public Service
Praises Iraqi and Afghan Women for Leading the Way to Freedom
2/2/2005

WASHINGTON, DC (2/2) During a gavel passing ceremony this evening, Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) praised the efforts of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues and noted the caucus is in good hands under the new leadership of Congresswomen Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL) and Hilda Solis (D-CA).

"The state of the Women's Caucus is strong," noted Capito, the outgoing Co-chair of the Women's Caucus. "Our efforts have been the driving force behind implementing a thorough sexual assault policy in the military and we raised the level of debate regarding violence against women. I am proud of the job we did and am eager to help the Caucus continue our advocacy efforts on behalf of women. I would like to see continued efforts to encourage women to enter public service there is no doubt our perspective is badly needed."

During remarks at a gavel passing ceremony and reception in the Rayburn House Office Building sponsored by Discovery Communications and Oxygen Media, Capito pointed to the powerful role women are playing in the world.

"Women continue to lead the way towards freedom around the world," noted Capito. "Even under death threats, women candidates in Iraq like former Iraqi Security Council member Songul Chapouk campaigned for office because of their belief in democracy. During recent elections in Afghanistan women emerged from the suppression of the Taliban to cast a ballot in free elections."

Capito thanked her fellow co-chair Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) for her dedicated service, and Discovery Communications President and CEO Judith McHale and Oxygen Media founder and CEO Geraldine Laybourne for their support and sponsorship of the event.

http://capito.house.gov/press_office/detail-page.aspx?id=50&whichone=pr