On Wednesday, U.S. Reps. Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30), Janice Schakowsky (Ill.-09), Mike Honda (CA-17), and Niki Tsongas (MA-03) re-introduced the Women, Peace and Security Act. The bill 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.
"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 Congresswoman 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."
"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 Congresswoman 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."
"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 Congressman 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 Congresswoman 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."