In Recognition of International Women's Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressmen James P. McGovern and Joseph R. Pitts, the Co-Chairmen of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, issued the following statement in recognition of International Women's Day:
"On International Women's Day, we celebrate all the women, today and throughout history, whose contributions and sacrifices, often undervalued and unrecognized, have advanced the well-being of families, communities and nations across the globe. In a world riven by war, we especially celebrate women's participation in negotiations and peace processes, which increases their potential for success.
Women make up half of the population, yet there is a clear disparity in their political, economic, and educational participation. The absence of women and girls from these arenas is evidence of the great need to empower women and defend their rights.
As co-chairmen of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, we call on the global community to redouble efforts to ensure women can participate fully in social and economic life, enjoy equal access to education and opportunity, and live free from gender-based violence and oppression. Defending the human rights of women is essential to defending the human rights of all of humanity, and today we reaffirm our commitment to doing so."