Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Aumua Amata issued the following statement into the Congressional Record this week in recognition of International Women’s Day 2016:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize International Women’s Day.  Officially, we began to recognize International Women’s Day in 1977, but its roots can be traced back to the early 20th Century.

We use the day to recognize the contributions that women have made to our society, and to bring awareness to the continuing inequality between the genders.

Every year has its own unique theme, with this year’s theme being gender parity. As we move forward into the 21st Century, we find ourselves in a significant period in history in regards to gender parity.  All over the world, women are taking their place in leadership positions, both in government and industry.

While we have made much progress, we still have a ways to go, and I want to take this opportunity to thank all women, both past and present for their contributions and efforts in making this a better world.  Women have always been a guiding force for their communities, and a driving factor of the world’s economy, and we must ensure that their contributions are recognized.

I would like to encourage my colleagues in Congress to make a pledge for gender parity. I know that by working together, we can ensure that women are afforded the same rights and opportunities, to take part in leading their communities and places of business around the globe.

Not just today, but every day, let us strive for those ideals that set our nation apart, and have been a shining beacon to the rest of the world...that of equality and justice.  This is just one more way we can continue to reach for those lofty goals.