International Women Day and Remarks by Ambassador Marcie B. Ries at the Parliamentary Bureau Open Session on "Gender Equality: Challenges and Visions" (March 8, 2007)

The Embassy of the United States organized an essay contest asking high school students in Tirana to write essays on "The Most Influential Woman of My Life." A total of 35 students from 13 high schools in Tiranë submitted powerful, touching, and well-written essays. After careful consideration, the Embassy selected the first winner Mr. Anri Kodhelaj, "Sami Frashëri" High School, the second winner Ms. Fabiola Zeka Sami Frashëri High School, and the third winner Ms. Ejona Qesari, "Qemal Stafa” High School.

First place winner Anri Kodhelaj read his essay at an open Parliamentary Bureau Session on "Gender Equality: Challenges and Vision," hosted by Parliament Speaker Topalli, where U.S. Ambassador Ries, other ambassadors, and members of parliament delivered remarks. Below, please find remarks by U.S. Ambassador Ries and the three winning essays.

Remarks by Ambassador Marcie B. Ries at the Parliamentary Bureau Open Session on "Gender Equality: Challenges and Visions"

Good Morning Madam Speaker, Members of Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, distinguished guests, and friends.

It gives me great pleasure to speak to you on International Women's day about gender equality, and specifically, the importance of women’s participation in the political process. Although half of the adult population in any given country is female, women represent only a small proportion in most governments.

This is unfortunate in that women can have special insight into many, if not most, policy issues that touch them directly. Pregnancy and children's health, for example, particularly affect women, but they are crucial for the wellbeing of the entire society as well. This does not necessarily mean we need to have only women making public policy, but it does mean we need people who are sensitive to women’s concerns. Similarly, working women have special perspectives on balancing work and family life. Men have concerns as well, but they may be less likely to make them a priority.

At the local level, social problems including poverty and its consequences such as trafficking, and limited access to education are most keenly felt. Here, the need for the participation of women, both as mothers and community leaders is really essential.

And since it is International Women's Day it is a good moment to highlight two pressing issues that are of special concern to women -- getting women information about, and treatment for, breast cancer, and addressing the question of violence against women.