MORELLA LAUNCHES "WE WALK SO THEY CAN READ" CAMPAIGN

Congresswoman Connie Morella (Republican-Maryland) and the U.S. Committee for the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) kicked off a national campaign March 6 to raise awareness for the women and girls of Afghanistan. "We Walk So They Can Read" was recently created by the U.S. Committee for UNIFEM to support Afghan women and girls.

"As International Women's Day approaches," said Morella, "we encourage people from across our nation to support the women and girls in Afghanistan. We will proudly walk to champion those women who were prohibited from walking in public by the vicious Taliban rulers, and we will walk to recognize the girls of Afghanistan who will finally be returning to school this month."

The Congresswoman added, "I want to acknowledge and thank the President and the First Lady for their support on these critical issues. They understand that no long-term stability can be achieved in Afghanistan while half of the population is paralyzed. I am so pleased that the Administration has announced that more than nine million textbooks will be sent to Afghanistan to teach children science, math, and reading. And I must also recognize and commend Chairman of the Afghan Interim Authority Hamid Karzai for the affirmation of his government to support basic human rights for women."

Morella is the sponsor of H.R. 3342, The Access for Afghan Women Act. This legislation sets guidelines for post-war humanitarian aid activities carried out in Afghanistan by the United States. H.R. 3342 prioritizes the health, education, safety, and economic self-sufficiency of Afghan women in U.S. policy. Introduced in November, Congresswoman Morella will push for the inclusion of her legislation in a forthcoming Afghan aid package. The House International Relations Committee is expected to act on aid legislation in coming weeks.

"My legislation outlines the specific, concrete steps that the United States should take to ensure that the women of Afghanistan have a true voice in the future of their country," said Congresswoman Morella. "This bill provides the opportunity and the relief that they so desperately need."

Morella added, "The Taliban stripped Afghan women and girls of their most basic human rights. Today, we recognize and celebrate the fact that restoring human and political rights to these women and children is critical for the long-term stability of a reconstructed Afghanistan. We walk so they can read."