Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on International Women's Day

Susan E. Rice
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations 
U.S. Mission to the United Nations 

New York, NY

March 8, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On the 100^th anniversary of International Women’s Day, we herald the tremendous spirit and contributions of a century of woman leaders and rededicate ourselves to the cause of equal rights, equal dignity, and equal opportunity for women around the world.

The United States has worked tirelessly for women’s rights and equality, because we know that nations that enable women and girls to reach their full potential are far stronger and more prosperous than those that hold them back. At the United Nations, we are working to expand women’s participation in efforts to prevent or end conflicts; incorporating the needs of women in all aspects of our international development work; and lending our full support to UN Women, the new agency that has had such an encouraging start under the leadership of former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet. The world simply cannot tolerate discrimination that robs it of talent it so desperately needs. Together, let us spare no effort to ensure that women and girls reach their full potential and enjoy their universal human rights—today and every day.

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