SEATTLE, Washington — Senate Resolution 533 expresses support for the goals of International Women’s Day, which takes place on March 8 each year. The resolution notes that women’s empowerment generates economic growth, lasting peace and democracy. S.Res. 533 confirms the Senate’s commitment to pursue policies that fight discrimination and violence against women and bolster fundamental human rights for women around the world.
Women’s Rights and Poverty Reduction
Women’s empowerment is very important since it is a key tool in global poverty reduction. Despite high rates of economic growth in developing countries in Asia and elsewhere, extreme poverty persists and income inequality has worsened. Women face the brunt of this trend as they are “over-represented in informal employment” according to the United Nations. Too often, women face poor working conditions with low pay and no social protection. Additionally, women’s labor force participation rate in many countries has become stagnant, meaning that the gap in labor-force participation remains at 27%. Because of the inequality women face and the 23% gender gap in pay, women have difficulty pulling themselves out of poverty. All of this is to say that eradicating poverty is a gendered issue and is inextricably linked to women’s empowerment.
According to Lakshmi Puri, the Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director of U.N. Women, poverty eradication is only possible if women’s human rights are universally upheld and fully realized. Therefore, giving women economic opportunities, freedom from discrimination and violence as well as equal access to education and healthcare is essential to ending poverty. The promotion of these fundamental rights, such as sexual and reproductive healthcare rights, accomplishes both the goals of poverty reduction and gender equality, as child marriage, maternal mortality and women’s lack of access to contraception all contribute to poverty. Furthermore, women’s participation in combating sexual and gender-based violence has proven to be an effective way to reduce poverty. Additionally, the fight to end the exploitation and trafficking of women is closely connected to alleviating poverty.
International Women’s Day
First observed in 1911, International Women’s Day (IWD) was not established by any one country or organization, rather, it belongs to everyone everywhere according to InternationalWomensDay.com. The U.N. first celebrated IWD in 1975 and countries and groups around the world have celebrated IWD on March 8, as “a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.” The day also seeks to accelerate gender equality and highlight injustice and discrimination that women still face today.
IWD focuses on unity, advocacy and action. It is a day when women’s rights advocates think globally and act locally. Despite the significant progress that has been made over the past century in the fight for gender equality, women still face inequality. Women still are not paid equally to men. Women are not represented proportionally in business or politics. Globally, women still face barriers to education and healthcare and violence against women is still prevalent around the world. Thus, International Women’s Day remains relevant and needed in all societies.
Senate Resolution 533
S.Res. 533 supports the goals of International women’s Day and emphasizes the importance of women’s fundamental human rights both as having intrinsic value and as integral to a country’s economic growth, sustainable peace and inclusive security. The resolution honors women human rights defenders and civil society leaders at home and abroad who have advocated for women’s human rights and equality. S.Res. 533 recognizes and calls on the U.S. Government to respect legitimate cultural, religious and historical differences around the world as the U.S. promotes women’s safety and welfare and seeks to end discrimination against women.
The resolution notes the importance of meaningful participation by women in all sectors of their communities, including in peacebuilding and conflict prevention. It calls on the U.S. Government to promote sustainable global development that empowers women and promotes gender equality. Lastly, it encourages all U.S. citizens to celebrate International Women’s Day with appropriate activities and programs.
Status of the Resolution
On March 5, 2020, Senator Jeanne Shaheen [D-NH] introduced Senate Resolution 533: A resolution supporting the goals of International Women’s Day. On May 14, 2020, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations considered the resolution, which has five cosponsors (4D, 1R). The following week, the Committee issued a report to the full Senate chamber for further consideration. The Senate agreed to the simple resolution by voice vote in the Senate on June 16, 2020.
S.Res. 533 is an important piece of legislation that promises to honor past efforts in the fight for women’s rights and aims to continue upholding the rights of women globally. With women’s rights and equality as a key focus, global poverty can indeed be alleviated.
– Sarah Frazer
Photo: Flickr