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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Today, we pay tribute to women of courage around the world and
hold them up as examples of hope, strength, and compassion. This
year it is my privilege to inaugurate the Secretary's
International Women of Courage Award. Through this annual award
the United States will honor the courage of extraordinary women
worldwide who have played transformative roles in their societies.
The global observance of International Women's Day reminds all
nations that the empowerment of women is irrevocably tied to the
safety, security, and prosperity of the world. The
enfranchisement of women can no longer be a simple aspiration.
Women are essential agents in bringing about change and an often
overlooked resource in the preservation of human security, in
overcoming transnational dangers, and in managing threats arising
from tyranny, trafficking, poverty, and disease. Achieving the
United States' mission of advancing democracy, prosperity, and
security worldwide is not possible without the empowerment of
women. If women cannot participate in the political process,
there can be no real democracy. If women are deprived of economic
opportunity, development is crippled. If women are not educated,
they cannot pass knowledge to their children, and there is no true
security for the next generation.
This is why the United States is committed to sustained efforts to
improve the political, social, and economic standing of women
everywhere. In 2006, we continued to pioneer programs in areas
like health care, computer literacy, business training, and
political development. We introduced a campaign to raise
awareness about breast cancer in the Middle East. Through the
President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief we have supported
prevention, treatment, and care for millions of women living with
and affected by HIV/AIDS. We started computer classes and
business networking centers for Arab women. We matched female
entrepreneurs from fifteen developing countries with mentors from
Fortune 500 companies. We helped women to become political
candidates and to vote for the first time. We created a global
network of women government leaders that works to develop greater
economic, political, and educational opportunities for all women.
None of these efforts would be possible were it not for all
courageous women, including American servicewomen and civilians,
who have given their lives to spread the message of freedom and
democracy in foreign lands. Around the world, women overcome
threats and intimidation to promote peace, equality, and dignity
for all people. International Women's Day is an opportunity to
celebrate acts of courage and determination by the extraordinary
women around the world who, in transforming their own societies,
create a more peaceful and prosperous world for all of us.