STATEMENT: U.S. Sen. Olympia J. Snowe: A Renewed Call for Women's Rights

Following weeks of tumult and protests in North Africa and the Middle East, I could not have been more honored to lead my 16 female colleagues in the U.S. Senate in emphasizing the importance of women's rights and political participation. As one unified voice, the 17 of us introduced a resolution calling for women's rights as leaders in North Africa and the Middle East consider constitutional reforms and shape new governments. The resolution we introduced reaffirms our commitment to representative and responsive democratic governments that respect women's rights and calls on leaders to include women when it comes to making decisions that will affect their lives.

In the course of peaceful protests in countries throughout North Africa and the Middle East, women have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with men to advance their rights. Indeed, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has said that, "the rights of women and girls is the unfinished business of the 21st Century," and I couldn't agree more.

Earlier this year, demonstrations spread from Tunisia to Egypt, with thousands of protesters peacefully calling for new governments, free and fair elections, significant constitutional and political reforms, greater economic opportunity, and an end to government corruption. Women played a vital role in these movements, utilizing social media to galvanize support for peaceful protest - facing tear gas and sleeping in tents in Tahrir Square. In fact, hundreds of women took part in a rally in Cairo on March 8th, the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day, to remind women in Egypt that they must have a voice in their nation's future. And today, as the people of Libya seek to overturn the brutal regime of Moammar Qadhafi, women have been working behind the scenes making a profound difference to promote reform and keep the momentum of the uprising alive.

However, while women have sacrificed and peacefully protested side by side with men in nations throughout North Africa and the Middle East, there are signs that women are increasingly being sidelined from the formation of new governments. In Tunisia, according to press reports, only two women have been appointed to the transitional government and in Egypt, not a single woman has been appointed to the council in charge of revamping the constitution.

The simple truth is women around the world continue to face significant obstacles in all aspects of their lives, including denial of basic human rights, discrimination, and gender-based violence. Be it Tunisia and Egypt or Morocco, Yemen, Lebanon, and Iran, women have attempted to harness critical support regarding matters affecting their rights, which is precisely why my colleagues and I in the Senate introduced this resolution.

We stand together to honor the women in North Africa and the Middle East who have worked to ensure guaranteed equality and basic human rights, recognizing that the empowerment of women is inextricably linked to the potential of nations to generate economic growth and sustainable democracy. Part and parcel to the success and stability of any government is the equal voice and participation of women. The spirit and devotion exemplified by women in North Africa and the Middle East and the ongoing challenges they continue to face is both an inspiration to us all and a reminder that discrimination and gender-based violence endures around the world. The resolution I am introducing with my colleagues is meant to honor their commitment to ensuring future generations enjoy the guaranteed equality and basic human rights for which they endeavor to this day.

U.S. Sen. Olympia J. Snowe
R-Maine