On April 14, the Senate approved, by voice vote, a resolution (S. Res. 109) recognizing the role women in the Middle East and North Africa played in recent democratic upheavals in the region. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the measure on April 12.
Sponsored by Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME), the resolution honors and supports “women in North Africa and the Middle East whose bravery, compassion, and commitment to putting the wellbeing of others before their own have proven that courage can be contagious.” The resolution’s findings include:
The resolution, among other provisions, “celebrates this year’s centennial anniversary of International Women’s Day, a global day to celebrate the economic, political, and social achievements of women past, present, and future, and a day to recognize the obstacles that women still face in the struggle for equal rights and opportunities” and “underscores the vital importance of women’s rights and political participation as leaders in North Africa and the Middle East consider constitutional reforms and shape new governments.”