Office of International Women's Issues

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October 2008: Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer Awareness Month Message from Director Andrea G. Bottner  Each October we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Domestic violence and breast cancer gravely impact the health and lives of many  women worldwide. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has taken a stand to combat these issues around the globe.  Secretary Rice has initiated a call to action to all United States embassies, urging action against this pervasive problem. While some countries are taking important strides in addressing domestic violence through the implementation of legislation, still many face challenges when discussing cultural attitudes on women’s social status and issues of domestic violence as a private or public matter. Legislation on domestic violence publicly acknowledges this behavior will not be tolerated; however, it is equally important the law is properly enforced and a coordinated community response by advocates and leaders in the society is supported. While domestic violence is still perceived by many to be a “private family matter,” breast cancer can be highly stigmatized as a “private personal matter” preventing many women from seeking services. First Lady Laura Bush has demonstrated her steadfast leadership in raising breast cancer awareness by initiating partnerships with the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and Susan G. Komen for the Cure in countries in the Middle East and the Americas. This international effort stresses the importance of early detection of breast cancer through raising awareness and training leaders in the community. These partnerships are invaluable and have resulted in increased efforts to combat this disease. By discussing domestic violence and breast cancer during the month of October, we are supporting a dialogue that not only brings much-needed public attention to these issues, but encourages a greater conversation of equal treatment for all. Through global education and awareness on these issues, we are creating an environment that is conducive to women’s empowerment and a world which believes in healthy lives for everyone. Domestic Violence Resources Office on Violence Against Women  San Diego Family Justice Center Alliance National Network to End Domestic Violence National Domestic Violence Hotline Family Violence Prevention Fund G/IWI Outreach Efforts Breast Cancer Resources The White House Susan G. Komen for the Cure M.D. Anderson Cancer Center U.S.-Middle East Partnership for Breast Cancer Awareness and Research U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services Centers for Disease Control & Prevention National Cancer Institute

Saudi Woman Doctor Joins First Lady Laura Bush in Highlighting Breast Cancer Global Awareness October 7, 2008 was a historic day in Washington, D.C.  First Lady Laura Bush illuminated the White House pink for the first time ever in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Also on this day, the Office of International Women's Issues had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Samia Al-Amoudi as an honored guest speaker at a Symposium on Breast Cancer Global Awareness that was hosted by the Office of the Chief of Protocol at the Blair House. Full Text

Director Denounces Gender-Based Violence and Recognizes Mexico’s International Women of Courage  Andrea G. Bottner, Director of the Office of International Women’s Issues, visited Mexico City and Ciudad Juarez to raise awareness about violence against women and learn of efforts in Mexico that address this important human rights issue. While Ms. Bottner denounced violence against women and expressed concern over unresolved murder cases and disappearances of women in Mexico, she commended Mexico’s recent legal reforms created with the intent to improve access to justice, increase transparency within the country’s justice system, and to eradicate violence and discrimination against women.  Full Text

Director Travels to Middle East to Meet with Government and Civil Society Leaders Andrea Bottner, the State Department’s Director for International Women’s Issues, traveled to the Middle East in July. The trip included stops to Cairo, Egypt and Amman, Jordan to meet with government and civil society leaders on a number of issues impacting women in the region.  Full Text

Courageous Women in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Beyond: A Record of Success in Democratic Transition Director Andrea G. Bottner spoke at Heritage Foundation on March 5, 2008 in honor of International Women's Day and in celebration of the Heritage Foundation's 35th Anniversary. In her remarks entitled, "Courageous Women in Iraq, Afghanistan and Beyond: A Record of Success in Democratic Transition," she highlighted recent successes in democratic transition, showcased the courage of women standing up for liberty around the globe, and discussed some of the Administration's priorities for advancing human rights and democracy. Full text