In my travels, I have met with presidents, prime ministers, and kings. But what has impressed and inspired me the most were my conversations with young people, and especially young women. They are the agents of change that make history every day as they forge a new path for their future daughters.
On International Women's Day, we must recommit to ensuring that the benefits of change are extended to all citizens, especially women.
In Afghanistan, I met with women -- among the poorest in the world -- who are struggling for the most basic needs: security, education and health care. They have high aspirations for their families, and they have placed their trust in other women from around the world to help them build a brighter future. The future of Afghanistan, indeed the future of so many nations, depends on the empowerment of women.
In America, where we're still fighting for equal pay, we are also facing an assault on women by the Republican-controlled House. They have voted multiple times this year to repeal and defund the patient's rights protections in the health care reform law that ends "gender rating" where insurance companies charge women up to 48 percent more for the same coverage men have and treat being a woman as a preexisting condition simply because we have children and are more likely to be victims of domestic violence. And instead of focusing their attention on job creation, which would greatly benefit the economic security of American women, House Republicans are moving a series of extreme bills that disrespect the judgment of women, are dangerous to our health, and collectively are the most comprehensive and radical assault on women's health in our lifetime. But from the hundreds of thousands who have signed the petition to stand with Planned Parenthood to those who attended rallies in their communities in recent weeks, we are building momentum to stop these bills.
Change often requires enormous bravery. In Egypt, a young woman tagged a tweet #Jan25 -- a hashtag that took off as the movement for change coalesced; a hashtag that connected the lives of a woman in Tahrir Square to a woman here at the United States Capitol; a hashtag that proved the world wide web has earned its name. And today, Egyptian women organized a march to raise awareness of their vital role in the change that has come to Egypt and ensure their country's progress includes equal opportunities for women.
As we celebrate the 100th International Women's Day and honor women around the world who are changing the course of history by reaching for the ballot box, demanding equal rights, organizing their communities, and paving the path for progress, these are a few of the many reasons I am filled with optimism that we can work together to raise women's voices to expand opportunities for all.
Follow Rep. Nancy Pelosi on Twitter: www.twitter.com/NancyPelosi
We are in the new age of the Robber Baron and we don't know how long it will go, but it is certainly in all of our worst interests.
As for what's going on in the country against women in general, it's truly appalling! Although I'm sure that some are genuinely concerned about the "sanctity of life," many others are just marginalizing women and are stuck in a 19th century mentality about women's "place" in society. Sad that it is still that way. But after all, it was only about 50 years ago that racial discrimination was "officially" ended.
The only imperative now is to stabilize the United States, end the submission to Globalization, confront the Inter Alpha Group of Banks, stop Perpetual War,
Specific crisis economy formation measures must be implemented now: terminate the entropic monetary financial system that can only operate economic collapse, Reenact Glass-Steagall in US banking, put the Fed into bankruptcy protection, recover the bailout trillions, create the US National Bank that funds the 50 states, then fund the necessary facilities that enhance the population's standard of living. No other options exist.
The United States must activate its' economy platforms that create the higher order of existence humanity is demanding. These economic recovery measures can be replicated throughout the world saving and elevating humanity.
It is good to see you back here.
GOOD luck to you in defending democratic Values Under attack.
We hope to win back the House in 2012.
DID you hear that Rep Bill O'Brien wants to PREVENT STUDENTS to VOTE by making Registration impossible for them ????
well said............the hard times and the negativity of the GOP/teabaggers have whipped up JEALOUSY .
It has been said that people show their true selves in HARD TIMES ..........so it is with Countries . so you can see what some have come to now.
The UGLY AMericans
At least she worked hard to give US health care.
Simialr to the war for lies in Iraq after set-up Sadda to begiun with and leavving behind legion of Iraq 1st Gulf War widows after the shooting gallery as they fled in terror.
Our history of supporting women in view of this is abysmal... our national strategic interests we speak of so often is heard loud and clear around the world.
I read where 52% of women are single, and it's safe to say most of these women are Middle Class Americans who are or will be dependent on Social Security benefits. Cost of living is not staying pace with SS benefits. For women who are baby-boomers, approaching ages 62 thru 67 in the next few years, substantial adjustments & increases are needed. We also need to have SS funds reimbursed for all the withdrawals taken from it; starting with LBJ, RR, and GWB. Otherwise, this country could see a multitude of single, mature women living like some in a poorer nation.
I hope you and other congressmen & women will address this concern.
Never forget that!
http://www.youtube.com/user/danpeak?feature=mhum