STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 8, 2009
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

In observance of International Women’s Day, and during Women’s History Month in the United States, the United States stands with people around the globe to reaffirm our commitment to the equality, freedom, achievements, and advancement of women.
From the global challenge of climate change, to a world that is not yet free from poverty and conflict, our challenges are many. Women are vital to the solutions to these problems, and we will not sow the seeds for a brighter future or reap the benefits of the change we need without the full and active participation of women around the world.
Worldwide, women play leadership roles in the health and education of our families, in our fields, our factories, our classrooms, our laboratories, and our boardrooms. With or without awards or acknowledgement, women have taught us about hope, about courage, and about opportunity.
The United States is filled with great hope that our daughters, and the daughters of all nations, will continue to serve as leaders in the pursuit of our collective well-being and have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Today, Michelle and I remember, celebrate, and honor the sacrifices, talents and leadership of women around the world.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/statement-president-international-womenrsquos-day

International Women’s Day, March 8: Time to Recommit to Equal Rights

AFL-CIO NOW BLOG
by James Parks, Mar 7, 2010

Women make up more than half the American workforce and are approaching half of union members. On International Women’s Day, March 8, the AFL-CIO is recommitting itself to continue the struggle for equal rights, dignity and respect for all working women.
This past week, the AFL-CIO Executive Council pointed out that much needs to be done for women workers to gain equal footing. For example, the council cites a United Nations report, which shows the majority of the world’s 1.3 billion absolute poor are women. On average, women receive between 30 percent and 40 percent less pay than men earn for the same work. Women also continue to be victims of violence, with rape and domestic violence listed as significant causes of disability and death among women worldwide.
Noting that International Women’s Day began a century ago when women workers in New York City marched for better wages, the council said in a statement:
Just like women 100 years ago, women in America-and around the world-are fighting back. On this year’s anniversary of International Women’s Day, we recommit ourselves to continue to the struggle for equal rights, dignity and respect for all working women while paying close attention to women’s concerns in our fight to create jobs.

Full Story: http://blog.aflcio.org/2010/03/07/international-womens-day-march-8-time-to-recommit-to-equal-rights/