25 June 2009

Obama on Women’s Rights

Podcast on Obama administration’s policies and initiatives

(begin transcript)

Narrator:

In his June 4th speech in Cairo, Egypt, President Obama addressed the role of women and issues of equality and access.

President Obama:

“I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well educated are far more likely to be prosperous.

Now, let me be clear:  Issues of women's equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, we've seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead. Meanwhile, the struggle for women's equality continues in many aspects of American life, and in countries around the world.”

Narrator:

Even though he has been in office only six months, President Obama’s administration has quickly demonstrated its commitment to women’s rights both in America and around the world. As the president said, even today, women continue to seek equality in many areas of American society. Obama recently signed into law the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, named after Alabama tire factory worker Lilly Ledbetter. The law reversed a Supreme Court ruling of 2007 and restores basic protections against pay discrimination for women and other workers.

Obama said that he signed the law in memory of women like his grandmother, who worked in a bank all her life, gave her best every day without complaint, because she wanted something better for him and his sister. He also said he signed the bill for his daughters and all those who come after us, because he wants them to grow up in a nation that values their contributions, and where there are no limits to their dreams.

Obama’s policies on women’s issues can be found at the center of his administration. The president signed an Executive Order establishing a White House Council on Women and Girls. The council provides coordinated federal response to the challenges confronted by women and girls and ensures that all agencies consider how their policies and programs impact women and families. In America, the administration’s goals for women’s rights fall under four categories:

• First, ensuring economic security. American society has made much progress in reducing barriers to women’s success. Although more women are successful executives, business owners, and government officials, certain inequalities remain. President Obama believes that women have a right to receive equal pay for equal work.

• Second, promoting balance between work and family. Millions of women and men face the challenge of trying to balance the demands of their jobs and the needs of their families. President Obama believes flexible work policies can help women and men meet the needs of their families and jobs.

• Third, supporting reproductive choice. President Obama has been a consistent supporter of preserving a woman’s right to choose, and while respecting those who disagree, the president believes all can help reduce unwanted pregnancies and the need for abortion.

• Fourth, preventing violence against women. Violence against women and girls remains a global epidemic. In America and overseas, President Obama will work to promote policies that seek to eradicate violence against women.

These and many other challenges are shared by many more women outside America. The Obama administration strongly believes in the importance of women’s rights around the world:

President Obama:

“I am convinced that our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons.  Our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity — men and women — to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice. And that is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls, and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.”

Narrator:

The Obama administration has called on government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector to support women’s rights. One example of the administration’s action is the One Woman Initiative launched in May 2008. The objective of the public-private initiative is to use 100 million dollars to support programs that empower women to empower women in countries with significant Muslim populations.

The day before Obama’s speech in Cairo, the initiative announced the first grants to organizations:

• In Azerbaijan, where the Women's Bar Association will provide legal advice and training to woman on issues like domestic violence and gender inequality;

• In Egypt, where a Justice Initiative project will provide leadership training for women and raise awareness about women's constitutional rights and political participation;

• In India, where women will receive greater access to economic development opportunities through entrepreneurship training;

• In Pakistan, where a microfinance program will take an approach centered purely on the role of women; and

• In the Philippines, where training, workshops and networking will focus on conflict management peace building.

Investments in women can lift entire families out of poverty and transform communities. The One Woman Initiative is particularly sensitive to the potential of women in Muslim-majority countries. At this time, families and communities can contribute to stability, peace and security.

The One Woman Initiative combines the strengths and expertise of the U.S. government’s Agency for International Development with the unique perspectives and experience of private sector organizations.

The Obama administration believes these partnerships are a vital part of enabling the social and economic empowerment of women. For more information on the One Woman Initiative, visit onewomaninitiative.org.

(end transcript)