|
Washington DC Office:
2263 Rayburn Building
Washington, DC 20515
Ph.: 202-225-5161
Fax: 202-225-5163
District Offices:
Marin Office:
1050 Northgate Drive
Suite 354
San Rafael, CA. 94903
Ph.: 415-507-9554
Fax: 415-507-9601
Sonoma Office:
1101 College Avenue
Suite 200
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Ph.: 707-542-7182
Fax: 707-542-2745
|
Hot Topics:
IRAQ
& SMART Security Platform for the 21st Century Platform
Floor Statements
To Watch Video of Lynn's Iraq Floor Statements,
please click on Watch Video below
All Video Clips Require
 | | |
The Women of Afghanistan (#309)
Watch Video | | April 23, 2009 | |
| Madam Speaker, I applaud the Obama administration for focusing on the human face of our Afghanistan policy. Rather than going with a policy based on military might alone, the administration is supporting an expansion of the surge of diplomats, of development officials, of humanitarian needs and experts.
The economic, political, and social needs are great in Afghanistan. A recent report released by Women for Women International found a ``bleak and frightening picture for life'' in Afghanistan. According to reports, Madam Speaker, 80 percent of Afghan women are affected by domestic violence, over 60 percent of marriages are forced, and half of all girls are married before the age of 16. Despite this focus on the needs of women and girls in Afghanistan, the situation remains grim.
Like many women in conflict, the drive for security and stability remains strong among the women in Afghanistan. Despite the fact that Afghan women are more likely to be impoverished, uneducated, and excluded from health service than men, polls indicate that Afghan women are optimistic about their future. Like women everywhere, they want to play a role in decision making at every single level of society.
Through the recent poll by Women for Women International, the voice of the Afghan woman can be heard. When asked what the biggest problem is that they face in daily life, the top response was lack of important commodities. Again, it's the basics, food and supplies, that Afghan women want for their families. When asked what the government should fix, they answered security and peace first. When asked what were the biggest health care and education problems, women overwhelmingly pointed to insufficient resources and funding. It's clear that the mothers, Madam Speaker, in Afghanistan want all that mothers want around the world: to provide for the basic needs of their families. They want their children to be well. They want their children to be well fed, well educated, and safe.
While I remain concerned about the increase in our military presence, I am hopeful that the administration's diplomatic surge can help the people of Afghanistan, particularly the women. Along with our international partners, we must work to address the pressing immediate needs of all Afghanis.
Madam Speaker, the use of smart power in the place of military force will send a clear message that the United States promotes diplomacy and humanitarian relief over war. |
|
|
Windows Media Player (version 7.1 or higher)
