Press Releases

Consul General Sends Message to Palestinian Women

Jerusalem
March 8, 2006

International Women’s Day (March 8, 2006)

International Women’s Day provides us all with an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments and work of women around the world in making their voices heard and creating better, stronger societies for all. On this day, and on behalf of the United States, I would like to congratulate Palestinian women on their important work to contribute to Palestinian society and the creation of a future Palestinian state.

The United States is committed to promoting women’s rights around the world, at home and abroad. We share those goals which are important to women everywhere, and whose achievement will undoubtedly benefit all the world’s citizens. Here in the Middle East and in the Palestinian territories, the United States has placed great importance on supporting women’s issues on both the group and individual levels.

The United States actively encourages increasing women’s political participation in the democratic process, as voters, candidates and advocates. Through scholarships and internships with U.S. companies and universities, we encourage women entrepreneurs to develop their skills and to contribute to regional economic growth. In the past decade, the United States has provided Palestinian women with more than $13 million in micro-loans, helping them build sustainable businesses. The United States is also engaged in the very important field of law and legal rights, supporting judges and legal professionals who desire to make their society’s laws just and fair for women.

On this day, the United States reconfirms its continued commitment to support women’s rights and to remain strongly engaged in this important area. We hope that one day in our lifetimes, in every society, we will see women accorded the rights and equality to which every human being is entitled.

Jacob Walles
Consul General
U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem