Congresswoman Johnson hosted a powerful discussion with key leaders in the peace community

Washington, D.C. — (Friday, June 8, 2011) – On Wednesday, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson hosted a Roundtable Discussion on the U.S. National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security. The Roundtable Discussion was held in conjunction with the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, U.S. Section and Congressman Russ Carnahan (D-MO). Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) and Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-CA) were also in attendance to support the initiative. The program focused on the role of women in peace-building and conflict prevention.

“It is a pleasure to have the Honorable Melanne Verveer, the first ever U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, serve as our keynote speaker. We are thankful for her leadership and commitment to the political, economic, and social advancement of women around the world,” noted Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson.

“This Roundtable Discussion is a part of my women’s peace initiative A World of Women for World Peace. Through A World of Women for World Peace, I have worked to bring attention to the women who are at the forefront of the peace movement.  Whether meeting with international delegations or hosting events on Capitol Hill, I hope to bring peaceful conflict resolution to the center of our dialogue on foreign policy. The goal for today’s discussion is to explore ways in which my colleagues can work with the Administration to best support implementation of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security.”

The National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security represents a government-wide effort to protect women and girls from gender-based violence, and to ensure women and girls have equitable access to humanitarian assistance during crises and disasters.

“Women must have a seat at the table when developing and executing plans for sustainable peace.  The Women’s Action for New Directions (WAND) looks forward to working with Congresswoman Johnson, Congressman Carnahan, Ambassador Verveer, WILPF, and other Congressional and community leaders, to push for funding and legislative efforts that support the implementation of this plan to promote women, peace and security, stated  Susan Shaer,”  Executive Director of WAND and moderator of the Roundtable.

Panelists included: The Honorable Melanne Verveer, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues; Tanya Henderson and Laura Roskos, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, U.S. Section; Susan Shaer (Moderator), Women’s Action for New Directions; Sanam Anderlini, International Civil society Action Network; Ambassador Swanee Hunt.

See pictures of the event here

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U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. She is also the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas  that includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Oak Lawn, Turtle Creek,Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, & South Oak Cliff; all of Balch Springs, DeSoto, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Ferris, Glenn Heights and Ovilla.