*Resolution recognizes March 8 as International Women’s Day**

(Washington, DC) – Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME), leading a bipartisan coalition of Senators, announced their resolution to recognize March 8, 2016 as International Women’s Day and commemorate the achievements of women around the world. The International Women’s Day resolution, co-sponsored by Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Patty Murray (D-WA), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) celebrates the economic, political and social achievements of women while recognizing the obstacles women continue to face in the struggle for equal rights and opportunities.

“Recognizing International Women’s Day sends an important message around the globe that the United States continues to be a leader in encouraging social, political and economic equality for women and girls,” said Senator Jeanne Shaheen. “When girls and women succeed, their families succeed, their communities succeed, and their countries succeed. International Women’s Day is an opportunity to renew our commitment to advancing global gender equality.”

“With this resolution, the U.S. Senate has reaffirmed its commitment to International Women’s Day and the pursuit of a world that not only empowers women, but also recognizes the important contributions that women are making across the globe,”Senator Susan Collins said. “It is imperative that we continue to pursue policies that guarantee the basic human rights of our mothers, daughters, and sisters around the world.”

“No country can reach its full potential when half its people are left behind,” Senator Barbara Boxer said.

“International Women's Day reminds us to celebrate the contributions women make around the world and here at home,”Senator Barbara Mikulski said. “Every day, women fight to build stronger economies, improve conditions for families and communities, and inspire the next generation of young girls. That's why I fight every day to make sure that women are at the table and empowered to make a difference.”

“International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the challenges we have overcome and recommit to surmounting those that we still face regarding equality for all women around the world,” said Senator Ed Markey. “This Resolution is an opportunity for the United States to once again pledge our leadership on global gender equality and honor women and girls around the world for their achievements.”

“Denying women full control of their health, productivity, and voice impoverishes the whole human family,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “On this International Women’s Day, let’s recommit to the work of removing barriers that stand in the way of women’s equal rights and access to reproductive health care worldwide.”

“America has an important role to play being a leader in advancing the cause of International Women's Day,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin. “By joining together to celebrate the achievements of women and working to empower women and girls, we are reaffirming our commitment to building stronger communities around the globe.”

“International Women’s Day is a time to recognize the progress we have made toward equal rights for women and a call to action for all of us to work together to empower women and girls around the world,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “When women have the opportunity to raise their voices and achieve their full potential, it strengthens our families, our communities, and our economy.”

“I have often said that you can judge a country by how it treats women,” said Senator Dick Durbin. “On International Women’s Day, let us not only pay tribute to those women who have pioneered and inspired us, but let us challenge ourselves to build on their legacies by further advancing the rights of women around the world.”

“At home and abroad, the way women are treated is very much a barometer for the economic and social success of a given community,” said Senator Ben Cardin. “Ensuring that girls and women can reach their full potentials should be a cornerstone of American domestic and foreign policy not just on International Women’s Day, but all year round.”

“Today we recognize the women who empower their families, communities and workplace,” said Senator Mark Kirk. “We honor their achievements and commit to fighting for equality worldwide.”

“There’s a lot more we need to do to empower women and girls to succeed around the world,” Senator Elizabeth Warren said. “International Women’s Day is a chance to recommit to the fight for gender equality, from strengthening economic opportunities for women to ending violence and abuse.”

“International Women’s Day is an important reminder of how far the world has come and how much we still need to do. Yes, things are better than they’ve been, but at this rate it will take nearly 120 years for the world to reach global gender parity – that’s just too long,” said Senator Chris Murphy. “The United States and our allies must make women and girls’ human rights, education, economic opportunity, and inclusion in the political process a top foreign policy priority.”

“Women have made great strides in achieving equal opportunity whether in the boardroom or the Halls of Congress,” said Senator Maria Cantwell. “This progress has been hard-won and hard-fought. On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate our progress and acknowledge that we must continue to push boundaries, face our challenges and keep moving forward.”

“It’s crucial for the U.S. to lead globally on both recognizing the importance of women and protecting women,” said Senator Robert Menendez. “Let’s not forget that there are millions of women around the world who need us to raise our voices for them. From the Hindu Kush to the Maghreb, women, every day, are faced with extraordinary challenges going to school, learning to read and write, and protecting their children from being conscripted into a militia or trafficked on the open market for slave labor – or worse. On this International Women’s Day, let us vow to work toward making their lives better in the upcoming year.” 

In support of the goals of International Women’s Day, the resolution also affirms the advancement of women as a foreign policy priority for the United States. It also notes that the ability of women to realize their full potential through education and economic empowerment is critical to a nation’s ability to achieve strong and lasting economic growth, as well as political and social stability. Specifically, the bipartisan resolution highlights the underrepresentation of women in most aspects of public life, the denial of basic human rights for women in many countries, and the threat of violence and abuse that too many women around the world continue to face.

The full text of the resolution is available here.

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