WASHINGTON – In advance of International Women’s Day on March 8, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (Both D-Md.), along with Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) and a bipartisan coalition of Senators introduced a resolution Thursday commemorating the 103rd International Women’s Day. Other cosponsors include: Senators Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein (Both D-Calif.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) and Mark Udall (D-Colo.).
“The world needs a new generation of women, inspired by the monumental achievements of past generations to help us move forward. March 8th is a day for us to reflect on the important contributions women have made in every field, past present and future. International Women’s Day is also a time for us collectively take strides to break down barriers that stand in the way of women’s progress across wherever they may be,” Senator Cardin said. “I want my granddaughters to know that my colleagues and I are working daily to give them every opportunity to succeed by erasing gender inequality.
“International Women’s Day reminds us to celebrate the contributions women make around the world and here at home,” Senator Mikulski said. “Every day, women fight to build stronger economies, improve conditions for families and communities, and inspire the next generation of young girls. That’s why every day I fight to make sure that women are at the table and empowered to make a difference.”
The bipartisan International Women’s Day Resolution recognizes the United States’ continued commitment to pursue policies that guarantee the basic human rights of women and girls worldwide and end the discrimination and violence against women and girls. The resolution also recognizes the advancement of women as a foreign policy priority for the United States and that the ability of women to realize their full potential through education and economic empowerment is critical to a nation’s ability to achieve strong and lasting economic growth as well as political and social stability.
The International Women’s Day Resolution has been referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and is expected to be considered next week. The full text of the resolution is available here.
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