THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON 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.
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