OpEd Message International Women’s Day – March 8

Today, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, we honor the tremendous achievements of women all over the world, often made despite social and political obstacles, daily struggles and, in many cases, of the hardship of conflict and war.  International Women’s Day reminds us that when we empower women, we can change the world. 

The women of Vietnam have much to celebrate and to be proud of on the occasion of International Women’s Day.  Women make up 50.8 percent of the population of Vietnam and 50.6 percent of its labor force.  Vietnam has the highest percentage of female legislators in East Asia. These are significant achievements that warrant attention. 

Of course, women in Vietnam, as elsewhere, face challenges.  Gender-based violence is a global problem, and the United States and Vietnam are no exceptions.  We understand that Vietnam will demonstrate its support for the advancement of women and its rejection of gender-based violence by drafting and passing its draft Law on Domestic Violence Prevention and Control.  The passage of the law will send a very important message that violence against women in Vietnam is unacceptable, and would end impunity for those who commit acts of violence against women.

In her statement today on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice said, “The global observance of International Women's Day reminds all nations that the empowerment of women is irrevocably tied to the safety, security, and prosperity of the world.  The enfranchisement of women can no longer be a simple aspiration.  Women are essential agents in bringing about change and an often overlooked resource in the preservation of human security, in overcoming transnational dangers, and in managing threats arising from tyranny, trafficking, poverty, and disease.  If women cannot participate in the political process, there can be no real democracy.  If women are deprived of economic opportunity, development is crippled.  If women are not educated, they cannot pass knowledge to their children, and there is no true security for the next generation.”

Full and active participation of women in all areas of society is vital to ensuring peace and progress.  On International Women’s Day, the United States unites with others around the world to call for and support meaningful and lasting change in the lives of women everywhere.