A resolution supporting International Women's Day and advocating for the protection, empowerment, and equality of women and girls worldwide.
Jeanne Shaheen
Senator
NH
This resolution supports International Women's Day, recognizing the fundamental human rights and essential roles of women and girls globally. It emphasizes the importance of their empowerment for global peace, prosperity, and sustainability, while also addressing critical issues such as violence, discrimination, and underrepresentation. The resolution urges the U.S. government to promote policies that ensure women's safety, health, and participation in all aspects of society, while respecting cultural differences. It reaffirms the commitment to gender equality and encourages the observance of International Women's Day in the United States.
Senate Resolution Voices Support for International Women's Day, Spotlighting Global Hurdles and US Policy Links
This resolution formally puts the Senate on record supporting the goals of International Women's Day, observed on March 8, 2025. It's essentially a statement acknowledging the fundamental human rights of the approximately 4.1 billion women and girls worldwide and their vital roles in everything from families to global security. The core purpose is to recognize their value and the ongoing need to protect and empower them, aligning this recognition with existing frameworks like the Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017.
Beyond the Calendar: Acknowledging Real-World Challenges
The resolution doesn't just mark a date; it paints a picture of the significant hurdles women and girls still face globally. It cites sobering statistics: roughly 1 in 5 girls (ages 15-19) experience physical violence, around 12 million girls under 18 are married each year, and about 122 million girls (ages 6-17) are out of school. It also points to economic barriers, particularly for women in agriculture, and the stark reality that despite progress, about 800 women and girls die daily from preventable pregnancy or childbirth-related causes. The text specifically calls out the severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban in Afghanistan and notes the increased vulnerability of women during crises, like the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Furthermore, it highlights the persistent underrepresentation of women in political power, with women holding just under 27% of national parliamentary seats globally.
From Recognition to Reaffirmation: What the Senate Supports
Beyond acknowledging the problems, the resolution expresses the Senate's commitment to several key principles. It reaffirms the U.S. dedication to ending discrimination and violence against women and girls, ensuring their safety and health, and guaranteeing their human rights. It specifically supports promoting women's participation in all aspects of society, including conflict resolution – linking back to the idea in the Women, Peace, and Security Act that peace efforts are more successful with women at the table. The resolution also honors individuals working towards equality and specifically applauds women resisting oppression in places like Ukraine, Iran, and Afghanistan, while urging the U.S. government to be culturally sensitive in its policy promotion. Ultimately, it encourages Americans to observe the day and supports global development efforts aimed at achieving gender equality.