The resolution “recognizes and honors the women in the United States and in other countries who have fought and continue to struggle for gender equality and women’s rights;” and reaffirms Congress’ commitment “to ending discrimination and violence against women and girls, to ensuring the safety and welfare of women and girls, and to pursuing policies that guarantee the basic rights of women and girls both in the United States and in other countries.”

The Congressional resolution also encourages President Bush to pursue policies that protect the health and rights of women and girls and to “issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe International Women’s Day with appropriate programs and activities.”

Women still earn less, own less property, and have less access to education, employment, the political process and health care than men. And across the United States and the world, violence against women and girls continues.  

• Between 25 percent and 50 percent of all women have been battered by an intimate partner. (The World Bank)
• Worldwide at least 1 out of every 3 women and girls has been beaten or sexually abused in her lifetime. (The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women)
• At least 1 out of every 6 women and girls in the United States has been beaten or sexually abused in her lifetime. (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• One woman is raped every 90 seconds and every 15 seconds, one woman is battered. (Department of Justice)

H.Con.Res. is cosponsored by 55 members of Congress, including Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. Below is Schakowsky’s Congressional Record statement in support of International Women’s Day:

“Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a resolution supporting the goals of International Women’s Day.  International Women’s Day is celebrated each year on March 8 by the United Nations and millions of people around the world in recognition of the contributions of women and men throughout history who have worked for gender equality and in acknowledgement of the work that has yet to be done.  

“I am proud to be joined in this effort by the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert), the gentlewoman from California, our distinguished Democratic Leader (Mrs. Pelosi), and the gentleman from California, the ranking Democrat on the International Relations Committee (Mr. Lantos), and several other members.  I also want to acknowledge the assistance my colleague from Illinois, the distinguished Chairman of the International Relations Committee (Mr. Hyde), has given me.  

“Women all over the world contribute to the security and well-being of their communities, families, and nations.  Yet, women still have yet to achieve full political and economic equality and millions of women continue to face discrimination, abuse, and violence in their daily lives.  International Women’s Day serves as a time to recognize this reality and to join together across cultures, languages, nations, ethnicities, and income levels to celebrate a common commitment for equality and justice.

“It is my hope that this Resolution will find unanimous support in the House of Representatives as a demonstration of the commitment members share to working for fairness and justice for all people around the world. 

“I urge the House leadership to schedule this measure for a vote next week so that the members of the House may join our international partners in recognition of International Women’s Day.”