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Shaheen, Collins Lead Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing International Women’s Day 2023

**Shaheen and Collins have led the International Women’s Day resolution in the U.S. Senate since 2011**

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and author of the Women, Peace and Security law, and U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) led a bipartisan group of Senators to introduce a resolution to recognize March 8, 2023 as International Women’s Day. The resolution celebrates the achievements of women and girls around the globe, and underscores the significant barriers that still stand in the way of women’s full equality and empowerment. Joining Shaheen and Collins are Senators Baldwin (D-WI), Duckworth (D-IL), Kaine (D-VA) and Van Hollen (D-MD).

“From women raising their voices and risking their lives for their rights in Afghanistan and Iran, to the women of Ukraine heroically defending their nation and women fighting tooth and nail to lift their families out of poverty in the most vulnerable areas around the globe – the strength, resilience and fortitude of women is on display in every corner of the world,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan resolution to send a clear message to the global community that the United States believes the equity, equality and empowerment of women and girls must be a policy priority. Today – and every day – we must match that commitment with action.”

“On International Women’s Day, we honor the invaluable achievements of women who have blazed trails and broken barriers in every field of endeavor,” said Senator Collins. “At the same time, we recognize that women and girls in countries like Afghanistan and Iran are increasingly being targeted with oppression and violence.  Today is an opportunity to reaffirm our enduring commitment to work toward a world that guarantees basic human rights and empowers women of all ages.”

“Today, the world comes together to recognize the incredible achievements of women across the world and recommit ourselves to the work we have ahead to achieve full equality,” said Senator Baldwin. “Together, we all must work to empower women and create a world where women have the rights, freedoms, and opportunities they deserve and need.”

“International Women’s Day should prompt us to continue pushing for a better future for all women—whether it’s for a woman crossing state lines for reproductive freedom, a mom of two struggling to find adequate childcare or a trans woman searching for gender-affirming care,” said Senator Duckworth. “Women’s lives, health and successes matter, and I’m determined to continue using my voice to honor women across the world and push for women’s issues as long as I’m in Congress.”

“Around the world—whether in Iran, Afghanistan, or here at home—women have made immeasurable contributions to move our communities forward,” said Senator Kaine. “On International Women’s Day, I’m glad to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution to recognize the critical achievements of women around the world and reaffirm our commitment to advancing equality.”

“The world heard the echo of ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ this year as women raised the call for their rights from the streets of Iran to the battlefields of Ukraine. Women are standing up, speaking out, and fighting to have their freedoms respected. We stand with them. And we are committed to continuing to advance the political, social, and economic equity, health and safety of women globally,” said Senator Van Hollen.

Specifically, the resolution reaffirms the advancement of women around the globe as a U.S. foreign policy priority and emphasizes that women throughout the world:

  • Have fundamental rights that must be respected by all countries;
  • Participate in the political, social and economic lives of their communities;
  • Play a critical role in providing and caring for their families;
  • Contribute substantially to economic growth and the prevention and resolution of conflict; and
  • Play an important role in the advancement of food security for their communities.

Shaheen and Collins have led the International Women’s Day resolution in the U.S. Senate since 2011. The Senators previously reintroduced the International Violence Against Women Act (IVAWA). This bipartisan bill would ensure that combating gender-based violence around the world remains a top diplomatic and development priority for the United States. In April 2022, Shaheen and Collins traveled with Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) to the UN to discuss how the U.S. and international community can best support women and girls in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Following a horrific terror attack on a girls’ school in Kabul, Shaheen and Collins led a bipartisan resolution urging international support for Afghan women and girls.

Shaheen has long championed the rights of Afghan women and girls and leads Senate efforts to bolster congressional support for the human rights of women and girls around the world. Shaheen repeatedly fought to make the inclusion of Afghan women in negotiations between the Taliban and Afghan government a U.S. foreign policy priority. Shaheen is the author of the Women, Peace and Security Act, which was signed into law in 2017 and ensures women’s leadership roles in conflict resolution and peace negotiations. She has also led bipartisan efforts to address the unique barriers young girls in developing countries face in accessing a full education.

The International Women’s Day resolution text can be read here.

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