Introduction of Resolution to Support the Goals and Ideals of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARSON. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to introduce this resolution supporting the designation of International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women on the twenty-fifth day of November.

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 3 women and girls experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. This figure does not include sexual harassment, and reports show that less than 40 percent of women who experience violence report it or seek help. Around the world, women and girls are being denied access to education and are politically and economically oppressed. Economic and political marginalization leaves women and girls all the more vulnerable to experiencing violence. We cannot be silent in the face of such injustice and violence. I urge my colleagues to stand with me in the face of injustices.

As we enter Women's History Month, the United States and the international community have an obligation to lend support and assistance to those suffering from violence and oppression, both abroad and at home. There are many critical factors that contribute to violence against women. Of all the women murdered in the United States, about 63 percent were killed by an intimate partner. Acts of violence as a result of war--especially physical abuse, sexual assault, and trafficking--disproportionately affect women of color. It is estimated that up to half a million women were raped during the Rwandan 1994 genocide. Furthermore, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, close to 60,000 women were raped during the war in which violence against women was used as a strategic tool of ethnic cleansing. That should never happen again. We must stand with women worldwide--this is unacceptable.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is commemorated to share women stories and educate communities about the percentage of women who experience violence, who lack access to education afforded to men[?], and how they face political and economic marginalization. The United Nations General Assembly observes International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women each year. My resolution expresses support for the designation of the twenty-fifth day of November as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Congress should recognize this work and improve our efforts to address the challenges of women facing threats and violence.

Madam Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women's designation on the twenty-fifth day of November to better support the millions of women affected by violence. I urge the House to support this resolution.

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