| International Women's Day 1998 |
| Presidential Press Releases |
Part of a series of Presidential Press Releases on the topic of women's history. Brought to you as a service by your About Guide to Women's History.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
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March 6, 1998
Each year we celebrate
International Women's Day not only to highlight the extraordinary achievements
of women around the world, but also to raise awareness that there is much work
yet to be done to assure that women's rights are protected and respected.
The success of any government depends ultimately on empowering all its citizens
to participate fully in the decisions that affect their lives. The health of any
society is measured by how much all its citizens are encouraged to reach their
full potential. As the nations of the world face the diverse challenges of the
next century, it is more important than ever that we address the issues of
education for women and young girls, access to health care, political
participation of women, and the elimination of violence against women.
The momentum of the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995
continues to energize us in our efforts to encourage governments across the
globe to fulfill their commitments to improve the lives of women and young
girls. As part of this endeavor, I continue to urge the United States Senate to
join 161 other countries in ratifying the Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination Against Women. This treaty is an effective tool that can
be used to combat violence against women, to reform unfair inheritance and
property rights laws, and to strengthen women's access to fair employment and
economic opportunity. Its ratification by the United States will enhance our
efforts to promote the status of women everywhere.
We cannot build the kind of future we want for ourselves and our children
without the contributions of women. As we celebrate International Women's Day, I
hope that all Americans will join me in renewing our efforts to advance women's
progress and to protect human rights at home and around the world.
Best wishes to all for a memorable observance.
Bill Clinton
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