Washington, DC- (Thursday, March 8, 2012) – Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson released the following statement in recognition of International Women’s Day:

“Today marks the 101st anniversary of International Women’s Day. On this day, we recognize the extraordinary contributions women have made to our country and around the world. In the U.S., women now represent nearly half of our workforce, and on a global level, women are taking over leadership positions that were formerly held solely by men.

To commemorate this day, I, along with several of my colleagues and the U.S. Department of State hosted an International Women’s Day event to honor ten women who have shown tremendous bravery in advocating for women’s rights. These women, who will receive the Secretary of State’s Award for International Women of Courage today, have put the welfare of others before their own, all for the advancement of peace, equality, and human rights for all.

Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have been a strong advocate for women’s rights, as well as a champion for the empowerment of women around the world. In 2001, I began “A World of Women for World Peace” to bring greater visibility to those who are victims of war and conflict, and to draw attention to women who promote non-violent conflict resolution within their communities.  I will continue to work to achieve equality for women and to ensure their contributions to society do not go unnoticed.”

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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.