Congresswoman Barbara Lee Commemorates International Women's Day
For Immediate Release
March 6, 2009
Contact: Nicole Y. Williams
(202) 225-2661
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement commemorating International Women’s Day.
“As we reflect on International Women’s Day, we must recommit ourselves to women’s global struggle for equality and human rights. This year, we call on all people to do their part to end the ongoing scourge of violence against women.
“The policies of the previous administration put many obstacles in the way of the realization of the goals and ideals of International Women’s Day. President Obama and this Congress are working to do our part to eliminate violence against women.
“The recently passed economic recovery act provides $225 million to the Office on Violence Against Women for a variety of programs to enhance services and advocacy to victims, improve the criminal justice system's response, and promote effective law enforcement, prosecution, and judicial strategies to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Additionally, the legislation provides funding to support the coordination of state victim services activities, transitional housing and programs to end violence against American Indian and Alaska Native women who are more than 2.5 times more likely to be raped or sexually assaulted than other women in the United States in general.
“Women have always played an important role in our global communities. And what we know is that our communities are hurting. As women we must be ready to bring bold new ideas to create healthy communities and provide pathways out of poverty for those who have been marginalized throughout the world. So as women, we must be up for the challenge and be ready to take our place at the table and let our voices be heard.”
International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8th. International Women's Day has been observed since in the early 1900's, a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies. This year’s theme is “Women and men united to end violence against women and girls.”
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