Working for Women Worldwide - Embassy of the United States

Introduction
In 1995, at one of the largest international conferences ever held,
women from around the world, representing both governments and
the private sector, gathered in Beijing to set forth a platform for the
political, economic, and social empowerment of women.
by Ambassador Ellen R. Sauerbrey
U.S. Representative to the United Nations
Commission on the Status of Women
Conference delegates recognized that women, their
children, and their families have the best chance to
thrive in societies that protect fundamental freedoms
and human rights, and where political and economic
opportunities abound.
Yet in many regions of the world, especially in
regions of conflict, women have little political clout,
lack protection for their most basic human rights, are
disproportionately undereducated, and are the most
economically vulnerable. In many countries, women
also face social and cultural barriers to their advancement,
including discrimination, having to balance
family life with the need or desire to work outside the
home, and the biggest barrier of all—illiteracy.
Additionally, women are the targets of sexual exploitation,
trafficking in persons, and domestic violence.
The United States finds these barriers intolerable.
The political, economic, and social empowerment
of women is critical to the promotion of prosperity and
peace in every land.
The United States is determined to eliminate the
repression and oppression of women and children. In
the words of President Bush, “America will always
stand firm for the non-negotiable demands of human
dignity: the rule of law; limits on the power of the state;
and respect for women, private property, free speech,
equal justice, and religious tolerance.”
In a resounding endorsement of our commitment
to women’s equality, Secretary of State Condoleezza
Rice said during her confirmation hearings that improving
the status of women worldwide will be “one of
the most important things that we do over the next few
years.” In fact, she added, “We’ve already tried to do a
lot. ... We’re very outspoken about the need of every
society to make sure that women’s rights are protected.
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