AFTER PASSAGE OF RESOLUTION, SHAHEEN DENOUNCES UNNECESSARY DELAY IN RECOGNIZING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Says irrelevant anti-choice objections stalled recognition of March 8th as International Women’s Day
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Following passage by unanimous consent this evening of a resolution recognizing March 8th as International Women’s Day, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) decried the nearly two month delay it took to get Senate approval:
“Protecting and empowering women is critical because when women succeed families, communities and societies succeed,” Shaheen said. “So, it’s disappointing to see some in the Senate choose to delay this resolution by raising irrelevant objections related to women’s reproductive healthcare. A non-controversial bipartisan resolution should not be stalled for almost two months due to completely unnecessary anti-choice politics. I believe the Senate can do better.”
International Women’s Day is recognized around the world on March 8th and celebrates the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future while also recognizing the obstacles women continue to face in the struggle for equal rights and opportunities. In support of the goals of International Women’s Day, the resolution affirms the advancement of women as a foreign policy priority for the United States. It also notes 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. Specifically, the bipartisan resolution highlights the underrepresentation of women in all aspects of public life, the denial of basic human rights for women in select countries, as well as the threat of violence and abuse too many women around the world continue to face.
The full text of the resolution (S.Res.97) is available here.
