Washington, D.C. – Congressman Charles Rangel released the following statement to mark 2012 International Women’s Day, which is annually celebrated on March 8:

“Today, on International Women's Day, we laud the tremendous progress women have made in various fields, including education, government, business, science, sports, and the arts. We pay tribute to the brave suffragists and workers who defied the odds to promote equality and the valiant women who continue to defend and strengthen women's rights.

While we celebrate the vast advancements made in enhancing women's role in society, we must do more to advance this year's theme, 'Empowering Women: Ending Hunger and Poverty.' Unfortunately women account for half of the 37 million Americans living in poverty today. A majority of women in our Manhattan Congressional District are two times as likely to face poverty and the highest rates of hunger in America. Every day, many Black and Latina women struggle with lower wages, lack of quality employment, and higher rates of domestic and sexual violence.

To properly combat women's poverty and hunger, it is vital that we establish decent employment opportunities and secure social services that will effectively support families. I am working hard with my Democratic Colleagues in Congress to help create higher paying jobs, establish equal working conditions, and provide quality healthcare and affordable housing. We are also fighting to protect women's reproductive rights and expand tax credits that would help single mothers meet the heavy costs associated with raising their families.

I encourage everyone to commemorate the timeless impact women have made on our country and our daily lives both here at home and abroad. They set the best example for young girls to carry on the torch and commit to making this world a better place."