Statement Of Sen. Patrick Leahy,
International Women's Day
March 8, 2007

Mr. LEAHY.   I want to take this opportunity to inform all Senators and their staffs of an exhibit of photographs to commemorate International Women’s Day, March 8, which is sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development.   The exhibit, entitled “Women Transforming Development,” highlights the critical roles women play in development and USAID’s efforts to support women’s equality and empowerment.

For more than three decades, USAID has worked to improve women’s lives in the world’s poorest countries.  Where women are educated, the health and economic prospects of their families improve.  Where women participate politically, democracy is strengthened.  In the wake of conflict, women play a central role in the survival of their children and the rebuilding of their communities.  

“Women Transforming Development” will be displayed in the Rotunda of the Russell Senate Building from March 7 through 16, 2007.  The powerful images in the exhibit illustrate women’s contributions to economic development, peace and security, democracy, investments in people, and humanitarian assistance in all regions of the world.  They include images of USAID’s work in Bangladesh, Mozambique, Ecuador, Ukraine and Senegal.  

These photographs remind us of the injustice, discrimination and hardship that women and girls of every nationality suffer daily.  Young women are targeted and murdered in Juarez, Mexico and in Guatemala.  Women in countries like Peru, Chad and Nepal are often treated like beasts of burden, spending much of their day carrying heavy loads of water and fire wood.  Domestic abuse is endemic in most countries, and in some, like Pakistan and Afghanistan, women who are raped are in danger of being imprisoned and beaten under laws that punish the victim.  

The global statistics are sobering.  According to USAID, two-thirds of the 876 million illiterate adults worldwide are women.  Two-thirds of the world’s 125 million school-aged children who do not attend school are girls, and girls are less likely to finsih school than boys.  Seventy percent of the 1.3 billion people living in poverty around the world are women and children.  Each year more than 500,000 women die during childbirth and pregnancy.  The vast majority of those deaths could be prevented with basic reproductive health services.  And more than three-quarters of the world’s 27 million refugees are women and children.

Yet at the same time, the photographs in this exhibit also depict women as strong leaders and participants in standing up for their rights and transforming their societies.

With the Congress’ support, USAID is working to improve women’s equality and empowerment not only because it is just, but also because it is necessary for successful development.  For example, in addition to implementing programs totaling hundreds of millions of dollars in the world’s poorest countries to improve maternal and reproductive health, 67 percent of USAID’s basic education programs focus on girls’ education.  Nearly one-third of the people receiving USAID-supported business development services are women.  Last year, USAID provided $27 million to support anti-trafficking activities in 30 countries.  USAID assisted in the development of legislation against domestic violence, sexual harassment, and trafficking in persons in several countries.   

These are important efforts that need to be expanded.  Women and men together must embrace these goals.

I encourage all Senators and their staffs to visit the exhibit and share in this powerful celebration of International Women’s Day. 

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