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Floor Statements
To Watch Video of Lynn's Iraq Floor Statements,
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International Women's Day (#301)
Watch Video | | March 11, 2009 | |
| Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, men, women and children came together to celebrate International Women's Day. Since 1909, government civic groups and local communities have taken time to reflect on the role of women and the unique challenges that we face.
This year, the women of Iraq find themselves still facing hard odds, great odds, even with the decline in violence. Many women still are displaced from their homes, from their employment, and their communities. Their children still lack the basic necessities of clean water, electricity, health care, and access to education. Every day is an act of heroism for those women.
All too often, the role of women is ignored or undervalued. Fortunately, our new Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, has placed a high priority on women's participation at all levels of decision-making. The Secretary has selected eight outstanding women to be honored as recipients of the International Women of Courage Award. This is the only award within the Department of State that pays tribute to outstanding women leaders worldwide. It recognizes the courage and leadership shown as they struggle for social justice and for human rights.
One of these women is an exceptional Iraqi woman, Suaad Allami. Ms. Allami is a prominent lawyer who fights against the erosion of women's rights and defends the most disadvantaged. She founded the NGO Women for Progress and the Sadr City Women's Center, which offers free medical care, literacy education, vocational training, and legislative advocacy. Few of us, Mr. Speaker, can imagine the indescribable challenges of women in her position.
U.S. diplomatic and military officials have lauded her for many things, including her bravery. And they always point to her work outside the Green Zone. The State Department actually pointed to one shining example of her work: When Ms. Allami learned about the extent of alleged human rights abuses at Kadhamiya Women's Prison, she boldly conducted an unannounced inspection, CNN crew in tow, without regard for the potential for backlash against herself. The Minister for Human Rights shut the prison down 2 months later.
I am pleased that the State Department and Secretary Clinton singled out Ms. Allami for her work. My only wish is that more women, whose bravery occurs every single day, hour by hour, through their acts of courage and just living in Iraq, would receive the same recognition.
The women of Iraq have shown amazing strength and courage. I hope that with the redeployment of our troops and military contractors, all Iraqis will have the hope and security of a prosperous new future. |
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