ON this year's 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, men and women around the world recognize the contributions that women make toward the advancement of our world. President Barack Obama said “International Women's Day is a chance to pay tribute to ordinary women throughout the world and is rooted in women's centuries-old struggle to participate in society on an equal footing with men.” In 1975, which was designated as International Women's Year, the United Nations began celebrating International Women's Day in March. Two years later, the UN General Assembly proclaimed a United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace to be observed on any day of the year by member states, in accordance with their historical and national traditions. In adopting its resolution, the General Assembly recognized the role of women in peace efforts and development and urged an end to discrimination and an increase of support for women's full and equal participation. The US recognizes March as Women's History Month. I salute King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, for his many initiatives to improve the status of women in Saudi society, including his 2009 appointment of a female deputy minister, the highest government position a woman has ever attained in any Saudi government. Women leaders in Saudi Arabia fully recognize the importance of women participating in the development of Saudi society. In reference to the need for women to take responsibility for themselves, Princess Adelah Bint Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz was quoted recently as saying, “women need to be heard, and no one can speak for women but women” adding that “there is no limit to what women can do.” The US is committed to the empowerment of women, not just because it is the right thing to do, but also because it is the smart thing to do. When women make progress, countries make progress. A mountain of research shows that investments in women correlate positively with alleviating poverty and increasing prosperity. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, “And when we invest in women, we're not just investing in individuals. We are investing in families, and we are investing in the next generation, and we are investing in communities and countries.” As the late King Faisal understood when he opened the first public schools for girls in 1964, the education of a girl is an effective development investment with enormous positive consequences for her future and her family's future. I admire King Abdullah for his efforts in ensuring all Saudis are educated. I greatly appreciate that many Saudi students, including women, chose the US for their university studies. There are also great universities here in Saudi Arabia, where women make up close to 60 percent of the graduates. The potential of women to contribute to economic growth and prosperity, social progress, peace, and good governance still lays untapped in too many places. If we are to build a more peaceful, prosperous, and a just world, we cannot leave half the population behind. We cannot successfully tackle the challenges that confront us in relation to the environment, security, economics, development, and more, if women are not engaged at every level of society. Saudi women have made great progress in recent years on many fronts. They are creating wonderful civil society organizations aimed at improving the life of others in areas such as breast cancer awareness, education, and humanitarian causes. They are recognized internationally for achievements in medicine and literature. Here in Saudi Arabia, they are demonstrating leadership as advisors and consultants in ministries and councils. And, these women also raise beautiful families and bring them into a more modern society, while educating the youth on their rich heritage and culture. “We vitally need women's talents, experiences, and leadership. Secretary Clinton said, “To win the future, we must equip the young women of today with the knowledge, skills, and equal access to reach for the promise of tomorrow.” Today, we celebrate the contributions of women. Everywhere women are making a difference. Many do so with great courage and often at great personal risk. Yet they continue to work tirelessly to change the world for the better. Let's take a moment to appreciate all the women – our grandmothers, mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters, and friends – who make great contributions not only to this society, but to each of us individually. – The writer is the US Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. __
