Schakowsky, Johnson, Honda and Tsongas Reintroduce the Women, Peace, and Security Act
Washington, DC (July 31, 2013) — Reps. Schakowsky, Johnson, Honda and Tsongas reintroduced the Women, Peace, and Security Act today:
Today Reps. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), Mike Honda (CA-17) and Niki Tsongas (MA-03) reintroduced H.R. 2874 the Women, Peace, and Security Act which promotes the active participation of women in all aspects of conflict prevention and resolution; integrates the interests of affected women into conflict-prevention strategies; promotes women's physical safety and economic security; and ensures that women have access to aid distribution services.
"Women have a critical role to play in building peace. This week, as Israeli and Palestinian envoys meet to begin the process of forging a peace agreement, Israel has sent a woman as chief negotiator," said Rep. Schakowsky. "This legislation promotes the active participation of women in the process of conflict resolution, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed in the process of reaching a peace deal."
"The Women, Peace and Security Act is an essential component in our efforts to continue to provide women with peace and security around the world," said Rep. Johnson. "The burden of peacemaking and peace building must be a shared responsibility by both men and women, and I urge my colleagues to sign on to this important legislation."
"I applaud President Obama for his leadership in establishing a U.S. National Action Plan (NAP) to include women's voices and perspectives in decision-making processes in countries threatened by war, poor governance and violence," said Rep. Honda. "It is now the responsibility of Congress to ensure the full implementation and delivery of NAP's goals so that women are equitable partners in all aspects of peace building and conflict prevention. Amplifying women's voices and perspectives and ensuring their place at the table are imperatives to achieving long-lasting global peace and security."
"Time after time studies have demonstrated that gains for women have a direct positive effect on sustainable development, economic growth and ending violence," said Rep. Tsongas. "In addition to being a moral issue, the investment in women and girls is a matter of security, for the international community and here on our own shores. It is time to amplify their voices so that justice, peace and equality can be heard the world over."
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