Statement By Ambassador Patricia Brister,On The Status Of Women

Thank you, Madam Chair. I am honored to be representing my country at this Commission session.

As a people, Americans have been deeply committed to advancing the protection, welfare, and empowerment of women. Women and girls, after all, make up more than half of the population of our vibrant democracy, so we want to ensure that they fully benefit from, and contribute to, all of the blessings of our liberty and prosperity. But our vision for women and girls extends far beyond our own shores to encompass their well-being and advancement around the globe. President Bush’s Administration has taken a leadership role in an effort to assist women everywhere to reach their full potential. As Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said, “Respect for women is a prerequisite for success of countries in the modern world. In the dynamic 21st century, no society can expect to flourish with half its people sitting on the sidelines, with no opportunity to develop their talents, to contribute to their economies, or to play an equal part in the lives of their nations.”

Senior Administration officials have been mobilized to advance the President’s agenda in this area. On September 26, 2006, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice hosted a strategy meeting with eighteen women ministers and heads of State to discuss how women leaders can promote the empowerment of women worldwide. A new global network of women government leaders is now working to develop greater economic, political, and educational opportunities for all women. The new Senior Coordinator for International Women’s Issues within the Department of State, Andrea Bottner, was previously director of the Department of Justice’s Office of Violence Against Women. In 2006, the Secretary of State appointed Ambassador Shirin Tahir-Kheli as the Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State for Women’s Empowerment. Read more at usunnewyork.usmission.gov.