Hi, all. Today's report features:
Winning the Future in Education: The President speaks at TechBoston Academy in Massachusetts.
Energy Update: Expanding safe, responsible energy production; investing in clean energy; a new regional recycling center for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma; promoting diversity at DOE.
Honoring Cesar Chavez: Interior Secretary Salazar dedicates a National Historic Landmark in honor of the civil rights leader.
Vice President and Dr. Biden in Finland for International Women's Day: VPOTUS: "... the single most civic-significant thing we can do in the 21st century to impact on the prospect of peace and security is to educate more women ..."
The First Lady on International Women's Day: First Lady Michelle Obama speaks at the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day and Women's History Month Celebration.
International Women of Courage Awards: Remarks by the First Lady and Secretary of State.
U.S.-Australia Bilateral Meeting at State Department: U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton holds a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
Bullying Prevention: Submit questions to Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett to ask at Thursday's White House Conference on Bullying Prevention.
WINNING THE FUTURE IN EDUCATION
White House, March 8, 2011:
President Obama on Education at TechBoston
President Obama talks about on winning the future through education at TechBoston Academy in Massachusetts.
Office of the Press Secretary, March 8, 2011:
Remarks by the President on Winning the Future in Education in Boston, Massachusetts
THE PRESIDENT: Hey! (Applause.) Hello, TechBoston! (Applause.) Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you, everybody. Thank you, everybody. Everybody please have a seat. Everybody please have a seat.
We are thrilled to see especially the students here today. (Applause.) I am grateful for the presence of a few other outstanding leaders. First of all, the great mayor of Boston Tom Menino is in the house. There he is over there. (Applause.) Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray is here. Where’s Tim? (Applause.) Tim, good to see you. The outstanding Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is in the house. (Applause.)
To all of you who are contributing to the outstanding education of these young people, I could not be prouder to be here. It is wonderful to be back in Massachusetts. Some of you may know I spent some time in school here myself. I was much younger. I had no gray hair. (Laughter.) There were definitely no SmartBoards back then. (Laughter.) The most exciting new technology was an electric pencil sharpener. (Laughter.) So times have changed. You remember those? (Laughter.) Do you know what pencils are? Do you guys use pencils?
I am so grateful to have Melinda Gates joining us here today. Of course, we all know Melinda’s husband Bill, who couldn’t hack it at school here, dropped out. (Laughter.) Then he started a modest -- modestly successful computer company. That was a joke, guys. (Laughter.) Bill Gates actually created a really big company. (Laughter.) But Melinda is a force in her own right -- she is one of the world’s most generous but also effective philanthropists, successful businesswoman, and most important for today, she has been an extraordinary leader when it comes to education reform. Microsoft and the Gates Foundation have been partners with TechBoston since it got started, and we are very grateful for their support. Proud of them. (Applause.)
Melinda is absolutely right, by the way. One of the things that I’ve benefited from in this effort to make sure our schools are working for every young person is my Secretary of Education. Some of you might have known that Arne used to play professional basketball in Australia. He was on the Harvard basketball team; was a star there. Just the other week, he was in a celebrity basketball tournament where he was outscored by Justin Bieber. (Laughter.) I’m just saying. (Laughter.) Justin is, like, about 5’2” -- (laughter) -- so please give him a hard time for that if you get a chance.
Now, we’re in the middle of what we’re calling Education Month at the White House, and I wanted to come to TechBoston so that the rest of America can see how it’s done. You guys are a model for what’s happening all across the country. (Applause.) And obviously at the helm is Mary Skipper, who is doing unbelievable work. (Applause.)
AUDIENCE MEMBER: We love you, Skip!
THE PRESIDENT: Love you, Skip! (Laughter.) But also the extraordinarily talented teaching staff that is working here. I had a chance to meet a couple of the teachers, and you could just tell that they are passionate about the work that they do. So they deserve a huge round of applause. (Applause.)
Every day, TechBoston is proving that no matter who you are, or what you look like, or where you come from, every child can learn. Every child can succeed. And every child deserves that chance.
Getting the best possible education has never been more important than it is right now. And that’s because in today’s world, a good job requires a good education. I travel all across the country, I go into factories, I go into companies. And it doesn’t matter where you are working -- if you do not have a good education you are not going to be able to succeed. And that includes being on the factory floor these days, because most of the equipment is highly technical.
Over the next 10 years, nearly half of all new jobs will require a level of education beyond a high school degree. Which means, obviously, first of all, you can’t drop out of TechBoston. That’s not allowed. All right? You can’t even think about dropping out. (Applause.) But -- can’t even think about it. But even after you graduate, you’re going to need some additional education. And I know that TechBoston is doing an outstanding job of making sure that every student is prepared to go to college.
Unfortunately, the reality is too many students are not prepared across our country. Too many leave school without the skills they need to get a job that pays. Today, as many as a quarter of American students are not finishing high school -- a quarter. The quality of our math and science education lags behind many other nations. And America has fallen to ninth in the proportion of young people with a college degree. We used to be number one, and we’re now number nine. That’s not acceptable.
The most effective way to create jobs in this country is to change those statistics. There’s no better economic policy than one that produces more graduates with the skills they need to succeed -- to start their own businesses, to create their own Microsoft, to create new industries. And that’s why reforming education is the responsibility of every single American -– every parent, every teacher, every business leader, every public official, and yes, every student.
Now, it used to be that we weren’t sure how to turn around failing schools. We weren’t sure what worked to help struggling students. There were some folks in Washington who said all it took was more money, and if we just poured more money into the school everything would better. Then there were others who said, no, you just got to blow up these schools, they can’t work. A lot of people thought we should just give up on places like Dorchester, and they assume that some kids just can’t learn, or they’ve got too many disadvantages. There are always some excuses for why our young people couldn’t succeed.
But after awhile, parents and teachers and education reformers started to realize that maybe Washington didn’t have all the answers. And I can promise you after being there for a few years, they’re on to something there. (Laughter.) People started realizing that what’s needed is not either/or, it’s not either more money or more reform, it’s both/and -- both more money and more reform. That’s what’s needed. (Applause.)
What’s needed is higher standards and higher expectations; more time in the classroom and greater focus on subjects like math and science. What’s needed are outstanding teachers and leaders like Skip who get more flexibility. I just like that name. I’m going call you Skip now. (Laughter and applause.) But education leaders who get more flexibility in exchange for more accountability.
And all those ingredients are present here at TechBoston. The students here, they get their own laptop when they walk through the door. That costs money, but it opens up a window for learning. You’re required to take four years of math, science and technology classes -- classes like web development and entrepreneurship and even forensic science. I didn’t even know what forensic science was in high school. (Laughter.) I’m not sure I do now. (Laughter.) But that’s part of the requirement that makes this school outstanding.
The school days are longer. Classes are 60 minutes so that young people have time to actually focus and absorb the information that’s being provided. And many students go to school in July and August. I usually don’t get much applause from students when I point that out. (Laughter.) Because this is a pilot school, Mary had the ability to hire her own staff, and the teachers here are offered training and constant support.
So those are the ingredients, and the results have been powerful. The students here come from some tough neighborhoods -- am I right? Yes. And yet the graduation rate is almost 20 points higher than the rest of the city -- 20 points higher. (Applause.) Ninety-four percent of the most recent graduating class went to college. Eighty-five percent of those students were the first in their family to do so. (Applause.) Your math and science scores are consistently higher than other Boston schools, and the attendance rate here is 94 percent.
So it’s working. What’s happening here is working. We know what works. What’s required, then, to get results from any school is no longer a mystery. And that means there can’t be any more excuses -- from anybody. As a nation, we have a moral and economic imperative to give every child the chance to succeed. And that’s why I set a goal when I took office, that by the end of the decade, America will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world. We will be number one again. (Applause.)
Now, to achieve this goal, everybody is going to need to do their part. We need the help of philanthropists like Melinda Gates. We’ll need the help of the businesses that are partnering with TechBoston. We need citizens and parents to get involved, because nothing we do in school with make much of a difference unless we instill in our kids the self-confidence and the self-discipline and the work ethic that are at the heart of success not just in school but in life.
So some of you may have come from a tough neighborhood, but you’ve got some parents at home, you’ve got somebody at home who’s nagging you and staying on top of you and saying you can succeed. And I’m assuming somebody who’s also turning off the TV set once in a while and saying, put away the video games and do your homework. That has to be a critical ingredient in success.
We need to recognize that the true path to reform has to involve partnerships between teachers and school administrators and communities. And we’ll need a national education policy that tries to figure out how do we replicate success stories like TechBoston all across the country.
So that’s what Arne Duncan’s job is, and that’s what he’s been doing so well over the last few years. Instead of pouring money into a broken system, under Arne’s leadership, what we’ve done is we’ve launched a competition. We call it Race to the Top. (Applause.) We call it Race to the Top, and it’s basically a challenge to states and school districts, prove to us that you’re serious about reform. We’ve said to all 50 states, if you show us the most innovative plans for improving teacher quality and improving student achievement, then we’ll show you the money. And for less than 1 percent of what America spends on education each year, Race to the Top has led over 40 states to raise their standards for teaching and learning -- standards, by the way, that were developed not in Washington but by Republican and Democratic governors all across the country.
So at the grassroots level, at the state level, standards were developed. And we said, show us how you’re going to meet these standards. The more innovative you are, the more money you can get for your schools. And that’s the kind of bottom-up approach that we need to follow. This year we’re going to have to work with Congress to fix No Child Left Behind, and we’re going to have to replace it with a law that does a better job focusing on responsibility and reform and, most of all, results. (Applause.)
We’re also trying to give school districts more flexibility to open charter schools and pilot schools like TechBoston, so that they have the flexibility, the autonomy, to do what’s best for students. We’re working to make sure every school has a 21st-century curriculum like you do. And in the same way that we invested in the science and research that led to the breakthroughs like the Internet, I’m calling for investments in educational technology that will help create digital tutors that are as effective as personal tutors, and educational software that’s as compelling as the best video game. I want you guys to be stuck on a video game that’s teaching you something other than just blowing something up. (Applause.)
And because we know that the single most important factor in a student’s success after their parent is the person standing at the front of the classroom, we are looking to make teaching one of the most honored professions in our society. (Applause.) In South Korea, teachers are known as “nation builders.” That’s what they’re -- that’s how they’re described. Here in America, it’s time we treated the people who educate our children with the same level of respect. (Applause.) We’ve got to lift up teachers. We’ve got to reward good teachers. First, we also have to stop making excuses for bad teachers. We’re also working to give educators the support and the preparation that they need, and I know that some of the teachers here have benefited from our investment in these programs, such as the teacher preparation partnership you have with the Boston Teachers Residency and with UMass Boston.
And with so many baby boomers retiring from teaching over the next few years, we intend to recruit and prepare a new generation of teachers, including 100,000 new math and science teachers over the next decade. And I hope that some of you will end up going into the teaching profession and pass on all the knowledge that you’ve gotten here at TechBoston. (Applause.)
Now, I’ve talked about how much we can improve student achievement through various reforms -- setting higher standards, higher expectations; giving schools and teachers more flexibility in exchange for greater accountability. But it’s also true that fixing our schools will cost some money. Recruiting and rewarding the best teachers costs money. Making it possible for families to send their kids to college costs money. Making sure that some of the state-of-the-art equipment that all of you are working on when I walked into Mr. Louis’s classroom today, that costs money.
Making these investments in education is going to be absolutely critical, but it’s tough to do after decades of deficits. I understand that. For too long, the government has been spending more money than it’s been taking in. So we’re going to have to get serious about cutting whatever spending we don’t need, which means I’ve already called for a five-year freeze in our annual domestic budget. That’s a freeze that would cut the deficit by more than $400 billion over the next decade, and it would bring such spending to a lower share of our economy than it’s been in 50 years. And I’ve proposed cutting or eliminating more than 200 federal programs that aren’t working as well as they should. We’re freezing the salaries of hardworking civil servants for two years. And I’m willing to do more to get our deficits under control. And that’s why the White House is leading bipartisan meetings with members of Congress, because we need to come up with a budget that forces government to live within its means.
But -- and I want everybody to pay attention -- even as we find ways to cut spending, we cannot cut back on job-creating investments like education. We cannot cut back on the very investments that will help our economy grow and our nation compete and make sure that these young people succeed. (Applause.) There’s nothing responsible about that. There’s nothing responsible about cutting back on our investment in these young people.
I mean, think about what happens in your own family. If you have a family member that loses a job or you have an illness in the family and you’ve got to cut back, where do you start? You maybe give up a vacation. You go out to eat less often. Maybe you don’t buy that new coat you thought was sharp, or the new car that you thought you needed. But the last thing you do is give up saving on your child’s education, because you know that’s the key to that child’s success in life.
Well, what’s true for a family has to be true for the larger American family. A budget that sacrifices our commitment to education is a budget that sacrifices our country’s future. It is a budget that sacrifices our children’s future, and I will not let it happen. (Applause.) I will not let it happen. We’re not going to give up on any school in America or any child in America.
We can’t forget that every year, schools like TechBoston have to hold a lottery, because there just aren’t enough spaces for all the students who want to go here. The reason they want to go here is because they know that if they go to some of the other schools in the area, they won’t do as well. They know that they might drop out. They might not get the same reinforcement that they need. There might not be that same culture of excellence and performance. That means they may not go to college, and they know they may not succeed.
All of that shouldn’t depend on a lottery. That can’t be the system of education we settle for in America. No child’s chance in life should be determined by the luck of a lottery. Not in this country. This is a place where everyone gets the chance to succeed, where everybody should have a chance to make it. The motto of this school is, “We rise and fall together.” Well, that is true for America as well. (Applause.) That’s true for America as well.
If we want to prosper in the 21st century, and if we want to keep the American Dream alive in our time, then we’re going to rise together. We’ve all got to come together. We’ve got to give our children the same world-class education that you are getting right here at TechBoston. And as long as I am President, that’s what I’m going to be fighting for right alongside you.
Thank you so much, everybody. (Applause.) God bless you. God bless the United States of America.
ENERGY UPDATE
Expanding Safe and Responsible Energy Production
Posted by Heather Zichal, Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change
Across the country, American families and businesses are feeling the impact of higher gasoline prices. We understand the extra burden that increasing energy prices put on family budgets across the country, and the administration is closely monitoring the situation and weighing various options that we have.
One area where we have focused our efforts since the start of the administration – long before this current spike – is increasing responsible domestic energy production – including oil and gas. In fact, oil production last year rose to its highest level since 2003. From 2008 to 2010, oil production from the Outer Continental Shelf increased more than a third – from 446 million barrels in 2008 to an more than 600 million barrels of estimated production in 2010.
Onshore, responsible oil production from public lands has also increased over the last year, from 109 million barrels in 2009 to 114 million barrels in 2010.
Of course, the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill served as a reminder that we must develop our domestic energy resources both safely and responsibly. That is why the Administration developed important new safety standards that increase oversight and build on the lessons learned from the worst oil spill in U.S. history. Since these important new standards were put into place last summer, we have approved more than 35 shallow water permits, and just last week we approved the first deepwater permit to meet new standards – including the ability to demonstrate the ability to contain a sub-sea oil spill. We have also approved more than 20 deepwater permits for activity that was not subject to the deepwater drilling suspensions, but represent increased jobs and production.
Beyond domestic oil and gas development, this Administration has also taken unprecedented action to reduce our long-term dependence on oil by investing in a clean energy economy. The historic fuel standards agreement for cars and trucks will save Americans money at the pump and reduce oil consumption by 1.8 billion barrels. And the Clean Energy Standard announced by the President in the State of the Union set an ambitious goal of increasing our clean energy share to 80% by 2035, and using a broad array of energy sources to get there. We are not picking winners and losers – our focus is on providing industry and utilities with the flexibility to make their own decisions regarding the best way to increase their clean energy share.
The Administration will continue to monitor oil prices and work to protect consumers, increase responsible production of domestic energy resources, reduce dependence on foreign oil, and ultimately build a clean energy economy in the United States.
White House Blog, March 8, 2011:
Winning the Clean Energy Future in Communities Across America
Posted by Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality
The health of our communities and prosperity of our economy are inextricably linked. From businesses and educators to state and local governments, communities across America are spearheading the innovations that will help us win the future. President Obama's plan that he highlighted in the 2011 State of the Union Address to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the world through investments in a clean energy economy will create jobs and improve the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink.
By investing in clean energy sources and developing 21st century clean energy technologies, we are moving to make America stronger, safer and healthier. Over the past few weeks, I saw this American ingenuity and the role our government has in sparking it firsthand. In Charlotte, N.C., workers at Carrier Corp. are building high-efficiency commercial HVAC systems that lead the global market and surpass energy efficiency standards by 40 percent. The workers I met are rightly proud of the products they make that help businesses and governments across the U.S. and throughout the world save money by lowering their energy bills. And they are pretty excited about their role in creating a clean energy economy.
At the University of North Carolina Charlotte's William States Lee College of Engineering, which received grant money from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), students discussed the projects and work they are doing in energy-efficient and sustainable building systems design. These students told me about their projects that are focused on tackling real world challenges to save energy and reduce pollution. Through DoE's Recovery Act investments, we can help ensure that they receive an education second to none.
And in San Francisco, I joined Mayor Edwin Lee and Bay-Area clean energy technology manufacturers in celebrating the expansion of a cleaner, smarter transportation infrastructure. With help from investments by the Federal and local governments, the city's Green Vehicle Showcase, which features locally manufactured electric vehicles (EV) and their charging stations, highlights their expanding efforts to grow across the metro area throughout 2011.
Thanks to President Obama's commitment to invest in American schools, communities and, technologies, we're not just investing in factories, or in products. We're investing in the spark and ingenuity of America's entrepreneurs. We're investing in the jobs and futures of the American people. And we're investing in our collective future as the United States of America.
Department of Energy, March 8, 2011:
New Choctaw Nation Recycling Center Posts Quick Results
Submitted by Albert Bond, a Project Officer at the Golden Field Office
“If you build it, they will come" ...to recycle.
That line from the 1989 film Field of Dreams is as good a way as any to describe how the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma’s new regional recycling center is being received.
The Choctaw Nation used approximately $800,000 in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funding to build a state-of-the-art recycling center and improve stewardship of the land and environment. The 30,350 square foot facility has four full-time employees and accepts newspapers, office paper, shredded paper, magazines, catalogs, plastics, aluminum cans, steel cans, cell phones, printer cartridges and cardboard for recycling. Since opening for business this December, the Choctaw Nation recycling center has collected more than 700 printer cartridges, 2,700 pounds of aluminum cans and nearly 135,000 pounds of plastic bottles from the surrounding community. At one E-Waste event held in January, the Choctaw Nation collected nearly 37,000 pounds of electronic material waste alone.
Chief Gregory E. Pyle is proud of the facility, since prior to its opening there was no public facility within a 10-county area (roughly 10,485 square miles!) that allowed for businesses and individuals to drop off items to be recycled. "The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is a large entity and it is encouraging to know that we have employees who care about our environment. They have devoted many hours to finding solutions, from handing out 'green' reusable cups to reduce the use of Styrofoam to opening this fantastic facility," said Chief Pyle. "It fulfills a need in the Durant area, giving everyone an opportunity to recycle."
KTEN news video.
Department of Energy, March 8, 2011:
Building a Diverse Workforce From the Next Generation of Leaders
Submitted by Bill Valdez, Acting Director for the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity
Tasked with advancing groundbreaking science, cleaning up our Cold War legacy and building a clean and efficient energy future for our Nation, each day at the Department of Energy is an exciting one — filled with new challenges and unique opportunities. Rising to these challenges not only requires hard work but a diverse range of experience and talents throughout our staff from the leadership team to the interns.
One of the ways we're seeking to promote that diversity is through our Minority Educational Institutions Student Partnership Program, commonly known by its acronym, MEISSP. MEISPP offers talented undergraduate and graduate students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) summer internship positions with the U.S. Department of Energy and its National Laboratories. Positions involve scientific research or a focus on policy, business and government relations. All internships include paid lodging, round trip airfare and monetary compensation.
MEISSP program participants receive an intensive 10-week assignment to jump-start their career and develop their potential for future opportunities within the Federal government. Students in MEISSP work side-by-side with leading scientists, engineers and other top professionals to develop career skills and enhance leadership capabilities. MEISSP students also take field trips to Department of Energy sites and/or facilities, participate in fun summer workshops and participate in activities to get to know other interns in the program.
Of course, internship programs like MEISSP don’t only help students – they also help us develop a diverse pipeline of potential candidates to join our workforce at the Department. Other programs, like the new Pathways Programs established by President Obama, promote possible careers in the Federal government.
Applications for MEISSP are open now through March 31, 2011. Visit the MEISPP website and learn more about the program.
The Department of Energy is looking for applicants from a variety of majors, including economics, business, international relations, physics, political science, engineering and mathematics. If you are a full-time undergraduate or graduate student visit our site to read the full requirements and application instructions.
To learn more about the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity visit http://diversity.energy.gov.
HONORING CESAR CHAVEZ
White House, March 9, 2011:
Honoring an American Hero: Celebrating the Life of César Chávez and dedicating the “Forty Acres” site as a National Historic Landmark
Posted by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar
En español.
On February 21st I traveled to Delano, California to honor the life and legacy of César Chávez and to designate the “Forty Acres” site as a National Historic Landmark. It truly was a momentous occasion to bring recognition to the home of the farm worker movement; the place where Chávez led civil rights and social reform in the 60’s and 70’s.
It was through Chávez’s tireless leadership and commitment to non violent protests that focused national attention on farm workers’ issues. Through boycotts, pickets and fasts, Chávez raised our nation’s awareness to the struggles of farm workers and the quest for fair pay, safer working conditions and the importance and dignity of the migrant laborers.
Hundreds of people turned out for this dedication, from the many volunteers who marched with Chávez, to the farm workers who gained dignity and respect through the creation of the United Farm Workers union, to those who today, are still inspired and empowered by Chávez’s commitment to improving the lives of our most forgotten.
We should all be inspired by César Chávez. His leadership, tireless work ethic, and selfless sacrifice helped forge a new era of justice for millions of farm workers and gave them hope for a better future, both for themselves and for their children. He’s an American hero and one of the great civil rights icons of our country’s history. By recognizing the Forty Acres site as a National Historic Landmark we are ensuring that César Chávez’s story, and the story of all who struggled with him, is remembered, honored, and passed along to future generations.
VICE PRESIDENT AND DR. BIDEN IN FINLAND FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Office of the Vice President, March 8, 2011:
Remarks By Vice President Joe Biden and President Tarja Halonen Of Finland Upon The Conclusion Of Their Bilateral Meeting
PRESIDENT HALONEN: So once again, good morning to everybody. I think that Vice President Biden has chosen a very, very good day to visit Finland because today marks the 100 years anniversary of the International Women's Day. And I think that both -- you yourself, your wife and your granddaughter are very pleased at that.
So you already know that we all very warmly welcome you, Vice President Biden, to Finland. Our discussions today have been fruitful, and I have a feeling that we have succeeded update quite many topical issues. Of course, it was too short time, anyway.
But relations between Finland and the United States of America are excellent and the reason to support continuation of many contacts. But as we have also said, the United States is an important partner for us -- for Finland, for Europe. And I hope so that old friends have strong ties, and we could also be looking for new opportunities to cooperate. Finland is committed to develop further our bilateral relations in all things -- I've already mentioned cultural cooperation, trade, investments, green economy, clean technologies. I know you are interested in the welfare state system, health, education, gender -- whatever you mentioned earlier.
But we are a part of the -- part of the global system, the part of the world. I already said that I felt very strongly when President Obama -- first time held a speech in the United States, General Assembly. And I was witnessing him, and I had gained a feeling that it was a very, very welcome speech. So I'm very pleased then with President Barack Obama and his administration. You yourself have been placing more emphasis on the work done in the United Nations and other multilateral organizations. We do need it. We are very happy that your administration, including also Hillary Clinton, have taken very strong interest in women in all speeches and always done in security -- and everywhere.
So the United States and Europe have worked hard for democracy, human rights and the rule of law and people decide what is values is very strong.
We spoke also of the recent events in Northern Africa and in Libya, particularly. And there are signs that the international community is quite unanimous on that, that the will of the people should be that what we are hoping for, not giving the possibilities only for those who have very strong military and many forces.
So both the humanitarian situation and also the grasp for the stability of the -- are on our mind. And I give it more for you how you feel about Northern Africa.
Finland and United States have worked side by side in many crises, humanitarian operations and I think that we have a respect for both sides concerning Afghanistan and also many other countless systems.
Finland is not a member of NATO, but an acting Partnership for Peace country, such as Sweden, Austria and Ireland, for example. And we share -- both a responsibility in many ways -- to work. So -- for the -- it's for the Afghans for themselves -- democracy, the rule of law and the respect of human rights, including the rights of women and the girls. But as we discussed Afghanistan, we left all -- the crisis of -- so what has been committed is past, but looking forward to speak more for the sustainable development of the global work and for both of our countries. So I do hope so that we can find those ways how to combine stable economic growth, social justice and ecologically sustainable development. We will have a good -- with our governments, with a lot of the good ministers.
To the media I would say that it's not only the President and the Prime Minister in Finland who are women, but -- aside my job, in the government, there are also ladies.
And what the world is needing, more women -- but also more progressive men because it's not -- having lots of those. So, Mr. Biden, you are most welcome.
VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN: Well, thank you, Madam President. I apologize for -- we kept the press a little bit. I would prefer that I had a whole day to spend with the President. I notice a couple of you remarking that we keep smiling and laughing. There's a whole lot of reasons for that. Most of all it's based on how comfortable the President has made me feel and all our countrymen.
Our ambassador was -- who we're very proud of -- was saying nothing but good things about his stay here in Finland and about you, Madam President.
And we have agreed -- I've invited the President, if she has the time when she's in the States, I'd like to take her up on her offer to spend more time with me because there's so much more that we have to talk about. It's great to be back here in Helsinki. This is an absolutely beautiful capital with a very, very long history of very important contributions to international affairs.
It seems like yesterday -- I know you're not old enough to remember but I remember as a U.S. senator the Helsinki Accords and how --
PRESIDENT HALONEN: We are exactly the same age. (Laughter.) Both 68 years old. (Laughter.)
THE VICE PRESIDENT: But seriously when you think about how the world has changed, how it's changed so remarkably. And I would mark the Helsinki Accords as one of those moments when the tides of history really began to move. And Finland remains in the forefront of a range of global challenges.
The President was very complimentary about the remarks of the address of my President to the General Assembly, and I was telling her that the President and I -- but the President feels very strongly that it's not sufficient that America exercises a leadership role merely by the example of its power, but by the power of our example -- not just by the example of our power, but the power of our example.
And we understand fully and welcome the fact that this is a world in which no one nation has the capacity to change the course of history for the better. Some have the capacity to change it for the worse, but no one nation has the capacity to change it for the better.
The American people and the people of Finland enjoy a strong and very enduring relationship, reflecting of the fact that we've often stood shoulder-to-shoulder in responding to global crises, as we continue to do. And in that vein, I want to thank the President for her recent trip to the Middle East, which continued to demonstrate Finland's commitment to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, and her visit to Afghanistan. We almost were there the exact same day.
PRESIDENT HALONEN: Yes, it was.
THE VICE PRESIDENT: I think we missed by a day or two.
I have made multiple visits to Afghanistan, and yet we found that our assessment was fairly consistent as to where we stand at the moment, and we have been standing, quite frankly, side-by-side in the International Security Assistance Force. In Mazar-e-Sharif, the Fins and the Swedes have done a great, great job, and we appreciate them very, very much.
In fact, as I said, we had a very similar view about the commitment that was taken -- and by the way, Finland has been just a great and critical partner also in unleashing economic potential, new technologies in combating climate change, in combating nuclear proliferation and in a responsible search -- I emphasize a responsible search -- for resources in the Arctic region, which we look to Finland's leadership and example.
And innovation, as we both discussed, is the key -- is the key to the future -- and Finland has been a renowned global leader in that department fueled by a truly world-class system of public education, which I also sought some input -- didn't have enough time really to talk about it more -- but I hope when the President is in New York, you may be able to come to Washington -- about the great success of your public education system, which is of the highest priority for President Obama and me in the United States.
And by the way, as a hockey fan, Madam President, my wife Jill, who is truly a rabid, as we say in the vernacular at home -- a rabid hockey fan -- a Philadelphia Flyers fan, we are so happy to -- a number of the contributions made by the Finnish people to the National Hockey League. (Laughter.) And in fact, as a Philadelphia Flyers fan, my wife pointed to me that Kimmo just -- Timonen just scored his 100th goal this weekend in the National Hockey League. (Laughter.) Although, it was in a losing endeavor for the Philadelphia Flyers, but we expect a great deal from him as a defenseman. And we expect that when he -- when the Flyers win the Stanley Cup, maybe they'll let him bring it home to show it everyone here.
PRESIDENT HALONEN: So speaking about the ice hockey, so I spoke a lot about the good neighborhood relations with Sweden and Russia. But you can forget them all concerning ice hockey. (Laughter.)
THE VICE PRESIDENT: President Obama has said many times, Madam President, the United States supports a strong and united Europe so that together -- together -- we can face and meet the extraordinary challenges and seize the extraordinary opportunities of our time.
We are extremely grateful, and I mean this sincerely that Finland shares our vision of a robust transatlantic relationship. And we also thank you for all you've done to make that relationship real and make it thrive.
Let me conclude by saying that it seems only fitting to be here in Helsinki on International Women's Day. It is not hyperbole to suggest that Finland has been a leader in the world -- in the world -- a pioneer when it comes to women having the right to an equal -- equal -- place in society. And I believe that to be the single greatest moral imperative of our time. And I mean that literally.
Now, it's easy for me to say that here on International Women's Day, but the American press that's here -- whether they would agree or not, they can tell you that I've spent the bulk of my career as a United States senator and as Vice President promoting women's rights. I was the author of, in our case, a landmark piece of legislation called the Violence Against Women Act. Senator Lugar and I as senators, and now as Vice President, we're trying to promote the International Violence Against Women Act. And we also -- I will tell you, if you excuse me, as we used to say in the Senate, Madam President, the U.S. Senate, this is a point of personal privilege. I told you this story, but I'm going to tell it. My staff is going, oh, God, what is he going to say. (Laughter.)
But last night, sitting in the Government House with my 12, almost 13-year-old granddaughter and my wife, who is a doctor and a professor at a college, a community college. My wife was saying how great it was that you were president, and there is a women prime minister. And my little 12-year-old chimed up from the couch and said, "And, Pop, 40 percent of their congress" -- she calls it, their parliament -- "of their congress is women. Isn't that great!" (Laughter.) That's my 12-year-old granddaughter.
And so I just want you to know the leadership of Finland has not gone unnoticed. And we look to Finland for the example that sets -- we were -- what we were laughing about as we were walking in is, we were exchanging stories about our mothers. And my mother would occasionally quote an old proverb which says that, women hold up half the sky. Women hold up half the sky.
In my household, they hold up two-thirds of the sky. All kidding aside, the single most civic-significant thing we can do in the 21st century to impact on the prospect of peace and security is to educate more women -- to have women, particularly in other parts of the less developed world have equal access to opportunity.
As you remember, Madam President, the U.N. sponsored a study on the Muslim world, the Arab world and said the most significant -- they were Arab scholars, Muslim scholars -- the single most significant thing that could happen would be to liberate women in that part of the world. I'm here to also pay tribute to the leadership, the incredible leadership of Finland in that regard. And if there's any nation in which I can stand on the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day, this is the most appropriate place to stand, and you're the most appropriate person to stand with.
Thank you.
White House Blog, March 8, 2011:
Dr. Biden Visits Schools and Celebrates International Women's Day in Finland
Posted by Courtney O'Donnell, Communications Director to Dr. Jill Biden
Like she does on most Tuesdays, Dr. Biden spent time on a college campus this morning – but today it was in Finland! As the Vice President conducted his meetings at the Presidential Palace, Dr. Biden visited the Helsinki City College of Culinary Art, Fashion and Beauty. She received a warm welcome from the Director General of the Finnish Minister of Education, and discussed the Finnish education system as well higher education in the United States. During a guided tour of the campus, Dr. Biden had the opportunity to meet with students and staff at the fashion design labs and culinary classrooms. She was impressed with the school’s hands-on teaching techniques and on the job learning environment, and remarked on the parallels to the many valuable job training programs in place at community colleges across America.
After the school visit, Dr. Biden had the opportunity to visit an event celebrating the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day in Finland. There she was greeted by the event organizers and by a local school choir. Dr. Biden spoke with participants and explored the exhibits displaying the range of efforts being undertaken by NGOs and women’s organizations in education, health and social services. As she remarked, “it was a pleasure to celebrate international women’s day in Finland – a place where women’s rights and empowerment can serve as a model for the rest of the world.”
THE FIRST LADY ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
White House, March 8, 2011:
First Lady Michelle Obama speaks at the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day and Women's History Month Celebration.
Office of the First Lady, March 8, 2011:
Remarks by the First Lady at International Women's Day Reception
MRS. OBAMA: Oh, well. I’m done. I don’t have to do anything else. (Laughter.)
AUDIENCE MEMBER: We love you!
MRS. OBAMA: Oh, my goodness. I love you all. This is an exciting, exciting day -- exciting. We had a fabulous morning at the State Department. And I hope you all are having just a lot of fun here this evening.
We are just honored and delighted to have you here to celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month here at the White House. Yes. (Applause.)
I have to start by thanking Aissatou for that beautiful, beautiful introduction and for all her hard work. C’est très bien. Merci. (Laughter.) We have to give her another round of applause. (Applause.)
And also Shannon for her inspiring way of being, and for introducing our choir and for her extraordinary achievements. So let’s give her a round of applause as well. (Applause.)
And I got to hear a little bit of that fabulous choir, the Washington Performing Arts Society. (Applause.) We have to thank them for that inspirational performance as well.
And I know that we have so many wonderful people here. We have some members of Congress who are here -- I see some faces scattered around. And I want to thank all of you for all the work that you do, the leadership that you provide, the time that you have taken out in your lives to fight for the issues that mean so much, not just for women and girls here in this country but around the world. We are proud of you. I am proud of you. Thank you so much.
And finally, I want to recognize all of the extraordinary women who are gathered here tonight, because there are so many sprinkled about, including our wonderful Women of Courage Award recipients, all of whom I got to spend time with earlier today. (Applause.) These are women who work tirelessly, all of you, every day, to make not just countries more fair, more equal and more free, but often many of these women risk themselves and their families to get this work done.
We have young women here like Shannon and Aissatou who are serving as peacemakers and ambassadors and community leaders here in America and around the world. And I see so many activists and advocates, pioneers who have devoted their careers to improving the lives of women. We are celebrating you all today.
And tonight, I just want to say to all of you that your journeys, that your achievements and your very presence in this room are a perfect illustration of the progress that we’ve made since this day was first celebrated 100 years ago. We’ve come a long way, ladies! (Applause.)
And we are celebrating those accomplishments here in America. Women are now the majority of graduates of colleges and universities. We make up nearly half of America’s workforce. We got to get paid more for it. (Applause.) But we do. Women are thriving in every sector of our society. We are leading businesses. We’re serving at the highest levels of government and the armed forces. We’re breaking barriers and succeeding in careers that our mothers and grandmothers never could have imagined.
And as more opportunities have become open to women, that hasn’t just enriched our own lives. As we all know, it’s enriched the life of this nation. And that’s one of the reasons why we have to do this, because we need to remind ourselves and our country that we’re here because of us. Because we as a nation benefit from every girl whose potential is fulfilled; from every woman whose talent is tapped. We benefit as a nation. We as a nation benefit from their intelligence, from their hard work, from their creativity, from their leadership.
And that’s not just true here in America. Time and again, we have seen that countries across the globe are more prosperous, they’re more peaceful when women are more equal and have the rights and opportunities they deserve. (Applause.)
And that is why women and girls are a core focus of America’s engagement with the world, including our diplomatic and development work, and our work to prevent and respond to conflict. And that’s why here at home we continue our work to close the pay gap once and for all, to get that done. That’s why we continue our work here at home to bring women into fields like math and science. Keep studying your math. (Laughter.) We’re still under-represented. So we still have work to do.
We continue our work to promote entrepreneurship and workplace flexibility so that women can contribute as fully as possible to our economy. And while we’ve made some important strides, all of you in this room know better than anyone else that this work is far from finished. We have so, so much more to do. You all know better than just about anyone that change is hard, and change is slow. Many of you might not win the battles you’re fighting or see the progress you’re fighting for in your lifetimes. You know that. But I’m thinking tonight of a quote from the author Alice Walker, who once wrote, “So our mothers and grandmothers have more often than not anonymously handed on the creative spark, the seed of the flower they themselves never hoped to see.”
And that is why all of you keep on fighting. That’s why all of you keep on leading and working toward a better day for all of us. You do it so that our daughters and granddaughters and, just as importantly, our sons and grandsons can have the opportunities that many of us only dreamed of. You do it because you know that your work could be the spark or that seed for the dreams and aspirations of girls like Aissatou and Shannon generations from now. This is why we do this work. We do it for you. We do it for you.
So I want to close tonight by simply saying thank you. This is a small -- very small way for me, for my husband, for this administration to let you know just how proud we are of all that you do for women and girls. Our work is so far from done. But 100 years ago, we would have never imagined that we’d be standing here in the East Room of the White House -- (laughter) -- celebrating this day with this administration. So we have reason to celebrate. (Applause.)
So thank you all for your commitment. Thank you for your passion. I am so honored to have you here tonight. Enjoy. Eat. Drink. Dance. I am only standing on your shoulders. So please enjoy, and God bless. We have more work to do. Thanks so much. (Applause.)
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN OF COURAGE AWARDS
Department of State, March 8, 2011:
First Lady Michelle Obama Delivers Remarks at the 2011 International Women of Courage Awards
First Lady Michelle Obama delivers remarks at the 2011 International Women of Courage Awards at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., on March 8, 2011.
Office of the First Lady, March 8, 2011:
Remarks by the First Lady at the International Women of Courage Awards
MRS. OBAMA: Thank you. Thank you all. Thank you so much. (Applause.) Rest yourselves.
Good morning. It is a true pleasure to be here with all of you. This is one of the most important events that I do each year, and I am grateful to be here again. I will be here next year and the year after that and after that and after that. (Laughter.) Yeah! (Applause.)
But I want to start by thanking my friend, Secretary Clinton, not just for that very kind and generous and warm and heartfelt introduction, but she is one heck of a Secretary of State. (Applause.) She has been an amazing gift, not just to our country but to the rest of the world. We are thrilled that she is part of this administration. But more importantly, I want to thank her for her kindness, for her friendship, for her support, for her advice, not just to me but to my family, just figuring out how to negotiate this interesting life here in Washington, D.C. (Laughter.) She has been a true friend, and for that we should give her all another big round of applause. (Applause.)
I also want to thank Madam Prime Minister for joining us and for hanging out with my husband yesterday -- (laughter) -- and for all of your work. We look forward to coming to see you soon, hopefully. But that’s not up to me. (Laughter.) People like Secretary Clinton. (Laughter.)
Ambassador Melanne Verveer, thank you as well for your work. Cherie Blair, it’s wonderful to see you as well. Thank you for being here. And to Lloyd Blankfein, you’re holding your own as the man in the chair. (Laughter.) Thank you so much for your hard work and for everything that you all are doing to improve the lives of women and girls around the world.
I have to take a privilege -- I did this last year -- I want to recognize some young women who are here again this year. And they are my young mentees, the White House mentees who are here in the front row. You guys have to stand up. I know, it’s embarrassing. (Applause.)
These young women we have spent a good while with. You guys can sit down now. (Laughter.) You look good. But they have been our shadows for a good year or so. We’ve watched them grow and mature, and we are just so proud of them. Many of them are headed off to college, but we will be staying in touch. But it’s important for me to make sure they’re here at this event, to really understand the power of service and sacrifice and what it means to be a real woman in the world, leading and taking risks. So I want you all to keep your ears open and to take some good notes, because this is really a special event and we’re glad you all are here.
Most of all, I want to recognize the extraordinary Women of Courage that we’re here to honor today. These women are amazing. They are trailblazing leaders. We have the first female head of state in Central Asia; the only female Roma Member of Parliament in Hungary; the first female Prosecutor General in Afghanistan.
They are activists. They are truth-tellers.
We have a teacher who empowers women and girls in rural villages. We have a leader for democratic reform who started her work at the age of 14. There’s a journalist and a blogger who writes the stories no one else will write; lawyers who take cases that no one else will take, who represent victims that no one else will help.
But while they come to us from all different corners of the globe, and they’ve taken a whole wide range of different paths to this moment, they are here today because each of them at some point made a decision. At some point each of them decided that she simply could not carry on in the face of an injustice. She decided that she could no longer accept discrimination or corruption. She could no longer stand silent in the face of violence or oppression, poverty or inequality. And so each, in her own way, decided to act. They decided to speak up, to publish an article, to file a lawsuit, to run for office, to open a school. And they have done these things at great tremendous risk to themselves and to their families. They’ve received death threats. They have been beaten, kidnapped, imprisoned, tortured.
One, as Secretary Clinton mentioned, has even had her house bombed, and must now home-school her children out of fear for their safety. She’s now accompanied by armed guards everywhere she goes. But as Maria Bashir put it, simply, “If we women do not accept risks and work, no changes will happen.” So these women have accepted these risks. They have worked for change. And time and again, these women have discovered a very simple truth: that courage can actually be contagious.
It wasn’t long before Yoani Sanchez’s blog had caught fire on the Internet and was being downloaded onto computer flash drives and passed from person to person. When it was censored by the state, she continued her blog through what she calls a “citizen network” -- a network of people outside of Cuba who helped publish her posts. Her writing is now translated into 15 languages. Fifteen.
After being forced into marriage when she was just 12 years old, Ghulam Sughra became the first woman in her village to be divorced. As a result, she was considered an outcast. But, as she put it, she said, “Something got into my head and turned my nerves to steel.” And she went on to not just become the first woman in her village to graduate from high school, but to help countless other girls and women get an education of their own.
That is the thread that runs through all of these women’s stories –- that each time these women speak up they inspire others to use their own voices. Their fearlessness inspires others to overcome their own fears. And so soon, “citizen networks” emerge, eager for change. Soon, it’s possible to rewrite laws, to topple regimes, to transform people’s lives.
And true, this is difficult and dangerous work. And as we all know, change is often slow and incremental. And many of these women know that the fruits of their labors will not be seen during their lifetimes. Yet they continue on, because they know that while they may not achieve the progress they seek for themselves, they’re paving the way to a better life for their daughters and granddaughters, and for their sons and grandsons, too.
So they keep on going despite the hardships they face, and despite the fear they must feel. And they do it with such passion, with such determination, with such joy and pride.
I think that Jianmei Guo described it well in a statement that she said and her team published after they faced a setback in their work last year. They wrote -– and this is a quote: “The meaning of life is about keeping our feet on the ground, undeterred, and making our way toward our ideals. We have no complaints. We have no regret. We thank every entity and every friend who cares for us and supports us. We have you, who will walk with us.”
And in the end, that’s why we are all here today. We’re here today because of that. That’s why we hold this event every year here in America’s capital. We do this to send a clear message to all of you, our Women of Courage, and to women like you around the world that you are never alone in your struggle. America will continue to walk with you. People everywhere who care about freedom and justice and equality will walk with you.
And so today, we honor you for your courage, your passion and your commitment. And we look forward to all that you will continue to achieve in the months and years ahead.
God bless you all. Thank you. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Department of State, March 8, 2011:
Secretary Clinton Delivers Remarks at 2011 International Women of Courage Awards
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton delivers remarks at the 2011 International Women of Courage Awards at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., on March 8, 2011.
Department of State, March 8, 2011:
2011 International Women of Courage Awards Ceremony
Remarks by Secretary Clinton and Melanne Verveer, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues; Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Goldman Sachs Lloyd Blankfein; Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard; Kyrgyzstan President Rosa Otunbayeva; and Journalist and Publisher of Bebela Henriette Ekwe Ebongo
AMBASSADOR VERVEER: Good morning. (Applause.) Good morning everybody, and welcome to the State Department. We’re so pleased that you could join us for our celebration of the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. And we have come together – (applause) – we have come together to honor some remarkable women of courage. And we are thrilled, once again, to have our First Lady with us. Welcome. (Applause.)
And we have many distinguished guests here this morning, all of our friends and colleagues here from the State Department, particularly Under Secretary Otero and Hormats and some many leading members of Congress – Congresswomen Louise Slaughter, Nita Lowey, Eddie Bernice Johnson, Lynn Woolsey, Carolyn McCarthy, Jen Schakowsky, Gwen Moore, Karen Bass, and Sheila Jackson Lee. (Applause.) And we want to thank Senator Shaheen and Congresswomen Schakowsky for introducing resolutions commemorating this historic centennial. (Applause.) We also want to welcome the many members of the diplomatic core who are with us this morning.
And now it is my happy task to turn the podium over to the woman who is recognized around the world as a champion for women and girls, a woman who has used her voice and her platform over many years to lift up those whose voices have too often been silenced or marginalized, a woman who never ceases to remind us that progress for women and girls and progress for nations go hand in hand. Please welcome a tireless advocate, a woman of courage in her own right, our own Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. (Applause.)
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you all. Thank you and welcome to the State Department. We are so pleased to be hosting this 100th anniversary celebration and to have so many distinguished guests. I want to start by thanking Melanne. As most of you know, Melanne Verveer is our Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues. (Applause.) I want to recognize that she has been a woman of courage almost every day of her life, but she also deserves an award as a “Woman of Stamina.” (Laughter). She travels on behalf of the Obama Administration almost endlessly, Mrs. Obama, and she just keeps going year after year, chipping away at the problems that affect women and girls and that affect national security, economies, peace, and stability.
It is a great pleasure once again to be able to celebrate this day with the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. (Applause.) Ms. Obama has done so much to support, inspire, and challenge women and girls here at home and around the world. You see her in our schools with American children, you see her in the schools of India and elsewhere with schoolchildren there. And everywhere she goes, she sends an unmistakable message that she and her husband, who happens to be the President of the United States, have two daughters that they love and support and are providing the direction and discipline that is needed to raise children. And they hope, as we all do, that every child would have the same opportunity to live up to his or her God-given potential.
I’m also delighted to welcome the first woman prime minister of Australia, Julia Gillard. (Applause.) The prime minister is a wonderful partner in our global efforts to advance the important issues that Australia and the United States share in common. And in particular, she is focused on improving opportunities for women and girls. And when her visit with President Obama was scheduled and she learned that it would coincide with this occasion, she quickly said she wanted to be here. And I was lucky enough to spend time with her last year in Melbourne, and now we’re cooperating on everything from solar power to security, but with a special attention paid to the daily lives of women and girls.
We’re also honored to have with us Cherie Blair, who has started a wonderful foundation to help women entrepreneurs. And we are working together on the mWomen initiative to tap the power of mobile technologies to empower women, and I’m delighted that you could be here with us as well, Cherie. (Applause.)
And finally, I want to thank our token man – (laughter) – Lloyd Blankfein, CEO and Chairman of Goldman Sachs. He has helped to support and pioneer a program you’ll hear more about in a minute that really does go into developing countries and work to improve the economic and business opportunities of women. And we’re pleased that Lloyd is here and will have an important announcement to make.
Now, in addition to these remarkable women who are sitting up here on the stage with us, we also have the participants from the 100 Women Initiative that we launched yesterday. These are established and emerging leaders from business, academia, civil society, media, medicine, from every region of the world. They are fearless advocates for the rights of women and for fundamental human rights and democracy, and they are going out around our country, not only to work with Americans in various fields of their interest, but also to exchange ideas about how do we empower people to build their own futures and to do so with skills and support from the rest of us.
And then finally, I want to welcome this year’s 10 winners of the International Women of Courage awards. Each and every one of these women is remarkable. I have known some for many years, some I’m meeting for the first time today. Now, I have to say, we’ve never before given an award to a head of state, but we were so inspired by the tremendous courage, leadership, and tenacity shown by the first woman to lead a Central Asian nation – President Roza Otunbayeva of the Kyrgyz Republic. (Applause.) In the face of a collapsing government, regional divisions, economic privation, she emerged as a unifier, someone who kept Kyrgyzstan whole after tragedy and upheaval. She is a president who knows how to lead, but she also knows how to let go. Because she has set an extraordinary example of what it means to relinquish power. She decided early on she would help to set up a new government, have a new constitution; and when the time came, after the elections were finished, she would turn over powers to the new prime minister and that government.
In so doing, she has offered an invaluable lesson to fledgling democracies everywhere, because we know, of course, that elections alone do not produce democracies. It is that willingness to share power with other elected officials, to build democratic institutions, to hold a second and a third free and fair election, to transfer power peacefully – that’s what allows true democracy to take hold.
And this is a woman who I think can stand as an example to many leaders around the world about what democracy and power should be used for: to help the people that you are supposed to serve. (Applause.)
Now, for anyone raising children in today’s world, it seems that there are not enough heroes and heroines, so I am particularly privileged to honor nine other women who have truly done heroic work to advance freedom, equality, opportunity, and dignity for all. They have risked their lives. They have served in prison. They’ve been harassed and oppressed. Sometimes their own children’s lives have been at risk. They have been insulted, beaten, and tortured.
And yet, each of these women has found the strength to persevere in the face of fear, isolation, or repression. And they’ve done so not just one day or one year, but day after day and year after year.
Now, two of our honorees, Nasta Palazhanka from Belarus and Yoani Sanchez from Cuba, could not be here because their governments would not allow them to travel here. But we are with them in spirit and we salute them for everything they are doing on behalf of their countries and their people. (Applause.)
Now, as you hear more about each of these women from Mrs. Obama and from me and from the citations, you will understand that each has pushed the envelope of what was considered permissible. And they have been inspirations, and I believe they can inspire generations of women and girls who follow after.
Now, I was struck to learn the other day that our planet that we all share is now host to the largest generation of girls and women every born. There are now more than 850 million girls and young women age 10 to 24. What kind of world will they inherit? What kind of world will their children inherit? How will they lead the next generation? Who will they look to as models?
The women in this room all know how to lead by example: Henriette, who is working for good governance in Cameroon: or Jianmei, fighting sexual harassment cases for women in China; Eva, seeking to stop so-called “honor killings” in Jordan; Marisela, who is starting a federal witness protection program so cartels can be prosecuted in Mexico; Maria, insisting on defending women brutalized by domestic abuse even after her own home was set afire in Afghanistan; Agnes, defending the rights of Roma women from a seat in Hungary’s parliament; or Ghulam, insisting that every girl in her rural Pakistani village deserved to be enrolled in school.
Each of these women – and I mention them in a personal way because this has been a personal mission for them. They have reached down deep and done what was necessary. And I often wonder how many of us, including myself, under those circumstances, could have done the same. Their courage, their compassion, their commitment, their quiet moral authority has come from putting the well-being of others before their own.
Now, we have seen similar tales of courage from women across the Middle East in recent weeks. They have insisted that their voices be heard. And in the coming months and years, the women in Egypt and Tunisia and other nations have just as much right as the men to remake their governments – (applause) – to make them responsive, accountable, transparent. (Applause.)
The United States will stand firmly for the proposition that women must be included in whatever process goes forward. No government can succeed if it excludes half of its people from important decisions. We saw women out in force in Tahrir Square in Cairo. They were clearly saying they expected to have a voice and a vote in the future.
And I noticed that last week a group of Egyptian women wrote to the Constitutional Committee of Egypt asking why none of Egypt’s distinguished women legal experts had been invited to join in drafting constitutional amendments for the transition to democracy. We will certainly be watching and the world will watch. And it’s not just the rest of the world, but the women themselves who deserve to be at that table making those choices that will affect their lives and the lives of their daughters and their sons no matter what government emerges.
It will take more than democracy to create real opportunity and stable societies. It will take jobs and economic growth. So I am delighted to announce that we are launching a new partnership designed to help businesswomen in developing countries make the most of their talents. The Goldman Sachs Foundation’s 10,000 Women Department of State Women’s Entrepreneurship Partnership – it’s a mouthful – (laughter) – but it’s a really critical effort to provide scholarships for 100 women entrepreneurs over the next two years. (Applause.) And we intend, working with Goldman Sachs, to make sure that these scholarships help women receive world class business and management training. The first women will come from Indonesia and Haiti. And I’m delighted that Lloyd Blankfein is with us to announce this partnership, which will supplement the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women program, which has already been such a success. It has already educated more than 3,500 women in more than 20 countries.
And the evidence shows that these women have been growing their businesses, boosting their profitability, creating new jobs for others. Women-run small and medium-sized businesses drive GDP growth all over the world. In fact, they are one of the highest-yield investments we can make.
So I thank Lloyd and I thank his creativity and vision for this exciting venture, and I invite him to share a few words with us. Lloyd. (Applause.)
MR. BLANKFEIN: Well, thank you, Secretary Clinton. This is one of the greatest honors I’ve ever had, to share the podium with these very courageous women.
The people in front here, the people behind me, are some of the most important advocates for women in the world. And few have been more persuasive advocates than First Lady Michelle Obama. Your support for women in this country and around the world will help countless families and communities for years to come.
Three years ago today, Goldman Sachs launched 10,000 Women, a $100 million investment to provide business and management education to women entrepreneurs. Our investment in women is anchored in ours and the World Bank’s research that showed how investing in women can have a real impact on GDP growth, particularly in developing economies. Today, more than 3,300 women have gone through the program in more than 20 countries. After graduation, more than 50 percent of the surveyed graduates from 10,000 Women have added jobs, and 70 percent have increased their revenues. And I’m proud to say the program will reach 5,000 women by the end of this year.
Investing in women is one of the most effective ways to stimulate growth in emerging markets. But equally important, it has a huge effect on these women’s families and on their communities. Children are healthier, homes are more stable, and communities are more vibrant. And that is why we’re especially honored to partner with the State Department to extend this initiative to new countries. This public-private partnership establishes a training program for 100 female entrepreneurs in new countries identified by Secretary Clinton and her team. Over the past two years, the Office of Global Women’s Issues and Ambassador Verveer have been vital partners for 10,000 Women. I want to especially acknowledge Melanne’s support and guidance when 10,000 Women was just getting off the ground. There is no better example of these programs’ impact than in the graduates themselves. I’m humbled by their passion and resolve every time I meet with them.
Today, we’re fortunate to be joined by two graduates, Divya Keshav from India and Christine Tour from Liberia. Divya empowers women by hiring them as machine operators at her label factory and providing opportunities for promotion. Christine, against all odds, returned to Liberia after the civil war to train women and create jobs at her beauty salon. Both of them demonstrate the power of investing in women, and we are proud to be a very small part of their success. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much, Lloyd. And now it’s my great pleasure to present to you the prime minister of Australia. She will have to leave early, but I am so glad she could be here to share a few words.
Julia. (Applause.)
PRIME MINISTER GILLARD: Thank you very much. It is a tremendous privilege to be able to join you here today, and happy International Women’s Day to each of you. I come as the first female prime minister of Australia, wearing a scarf given to me by the first female governor-general of Australia, a courageous woman herself who has fought for women’s equality in our nation. And I am very honored to be here today with First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State Clinton, and to join so many women of courage who have done remarkable things in our world. I know today at this event, Secretary of State Clinton is going to say some things about these women of courage, so I want to say – take the opportunity to say something about her, to say something about her courage and how she has been an emblem and an inspiration for women around the world.
And in honoring Secretary of State Clinton, I would like to use words that she said in 2008. She applied them to others, but I believe that they apply to her. She said that the bravest and most remarkable achievement is what you make unremarkable – female leadership. Secretary of State Clinton, you’ve made female leadership an image around the world. I don’t think we can say female leadership is unremarkable yet, but you have made the journey so much easier for others. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
And as we celebrate International Women’s Day, we celebrate the courage of women who have shaped our world – women like Susan B. Anthony in your own country and Jessie Street in mine, women who are publicly noted for shaping events that led to a world where we better recognize women’s equality and women’s rights. Now, there are so many women who contributed to that story whose names we do not know. Indeed, today, we honor every brave mother who ever raised a strong daughter and helped us get here. Those women worked for more than political rights. They worked for the opportunity for women to hold high office, but they worked for so much more.
They worked to make sure that they had the right to vote, the right to equal work and equal pay, the right to proper services, the right to physical safety. Perhaps more important than anything else, they worked for the ultimate right, and that is a right to an education. I am absolutely passionate about education because I believe it gives everybody the opportunity to shape their own lives for the future. And wherever I encounter women and girls, I know what can change their lives is the ability to have a great quality education.
And I’d like to leave you with one message today, and that message is: Education takes courage as well. It takes moral courage to learn to read. It’s an adventure for every child. It’s an adventure that never ends. Yesterday, President Obama and I were pleased to see some women who are on that adventure, some girls at Wakefield School in Virginia. But today, I want to say to you there are women and girls around our world who need physical courage in order to get an education, physical courage in order to learn to read. And I believe a great symbol for hope in our world is that there are women now who are able to learn to read in countries where that basic right was denied to them.
Let’s look at the Indonesian school which is providing modern education in the most populous Islamic country. Let’s look at the school in Uruzgan province in Afghanistan, where female literacy of less than 1 percent is now being met with the freedom to learn to read. And Australia is proud to be providing $36 million over four years through the Save The Children Fund to help those girls learn to read.
I’ll say to you today this is the next part of our journey, ensuring that we are working together as women to make sure women around the world get access to a decent quality education. I know we’re up to it and I know we’re going to achieve it together. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you so much, Prime Minister, for stating with such passion and reminding all of us of the importance of fighting for education for all girls and boys. And some of my former colleagues in the Congress have been on the frontlines of that fight for many years.
It is now my great personal privilege and just absolute delight to introduce the First Lady of the United States. Now you know I have a soft spot for all first ladies. (Laughter.) It is really one of the most difficult roles I’ve ever had, and I have watched with great admiration as Michelle Obama has taken on such important work. She’s been a leader in tackling the epidemic in childhood obesity, and I have to thank you for that because it is one of the critical health challenges that is facing us and increasingly not only here in the United States, but around the world. She has not been afraid to get her hands dirty, quite literally, by planting an organic garden at the White House to demonstrate what it means to eat healthy. She even got the White House staff to give out apples and seeds at the Annual Easter Egg Roll, something I never could have accomplished. (Laughter.)
I also greatly appreciate her tireless advocacy for America’s military families. Too often those who are left behind also serve but without the support that is needed and she has recognized that and has rallied our public for greater support and awareness of family service and sacrifice. And she has continually found new ways to reach out to women and girls around the world. She’s given internationally a role model for so many not only here at home, but from all walks of life everywhere, to help each person see what could be, how obstacles could be overcome, and she has certainly encouraged with her championship of educational experiences abroad for young Americans to develop a deeper understanding of the world. And so for those and many other reasons, it is such an honor to ask you to join me in welcoming Michelle Obama. (Applause.)
[First Lady Michelle Obama delivers remarks.]
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you. Thank you so very much, Michelle Obama. And I know that the women around the world who are watching today in many different sites and settings know that they have a champion in the White House. And I love the phrase that courage is contagious, so we’re going to see how we can propagate that in many different lands.
It is now my honor to present the International Women of Courage Awards. And what we’ll do is I will announce the citation, and I think that Mrs. Obama and I will then pose for a picture. Is that how it’s going to work? Good. I always have to ask the chief of Protocol because we find in these jobs that the chief of Protocol runs our lives. (Laughter.)
So with that introduction, let me begin. Let me first ask Maria Bashir of Afghanistan to join me. (Applause.) I thank you for that strong response for Maria, because she needs our support and she needs to have her own country understand how important the work she is doing is for them.
For defending those who have no legal voice, fighting corruption, and bringing hope to women survivors of violence, disfigurement, and child marriage, we salute you.
(The Award was presented.) (Applause.)
SECRETARY CLINTON: Henriette Ekwe Ebongo of Cameroon. (Applause.) For a lifetime of selfless dedication to the pursuit of justice, the rule of law, human rights, and freedom of expression, at great cost to herself, her physical safety, her family, her acceptance by her society, she has never wavered. And for that, we give you this award.
(The Award was presented.) (Applause.)
SECRETARY CLINTON: I have known Jianmei Guo of China for 15 years. I have watched this extraordinary lawyer create space for actions that defend those who are in desperate need of support for her fearless and unwavering legal advocacy in defense of the rights of the vulnerable and marginalized, standing against injustice, and her groundbreaking work to improve the status of women.
Unfortunately, over those 15 years, I have seen her government try to narrow that space and prevent her from doing this critical work on behalf of women who are robbed of their wages, women who need to get a divorce, women who have nowhere to live, and so many other cases. Her daughter is here somewhere, and I know how proud her daughter is of her mother, and so are we. (Applause.)
(The Award was presented.) (Applause.)
Agnes Osztolykan of Hungary is, as you heard the First Lady say, the first Roma woman ever elected to the parliament in Hungary. For overcoming racism and discrimination to emerge a leader in elected office, serving as a proud defender of the Roma people and culture, and tirelessly pressing for equal rights and the inclusion of minorities in society, we thank you for your work, we thank you for your example, and we will stand with you.
(The Award was presented.) (Applause.)
Eva Abu Halaweh of Jordan has taken on one of the most sensitive of issues. She has provided a legal outlet for victims of torture, abuse, and so-called honor crimes. She has been a relentless advocate on behalf of human rights and women at risk. This has been a challenge that she has embraced. And she never stops thinking of those who are in need of support, not only from her but from governments like ours. And we thank you. (Applause.)
(The Award was presented.) (Applause.)
Her Excellency, Madam President – I love saying that – (applause, laughter). When I visited the president just a few months ago, I was so impressed by her command of the issues and her understanding of what it will take for her country that she loves so much to have the kind of future that the children deserve to have. For visionary leadership and tenacity to end conflict and to keep her country intact, and to empower all of her citizens through meaningful elections and democratic advancement, she stands not only as a great leader of her own country but as a challenge and an example for leaders everywhere. And we thank you for that, Roza.
(The Award was presented.) (Applause.)
Marisela Morales Ibanez of Mexico – (applause). The work that she is doing is dangerous. It is among the most important work that can be done in her country. President Calderon and the Government of Mexico are committed in the fight against violence and the drug traffickers and criminal organizations. And she has shown an unfailing drive to combat organized crime and corruption, and a valiant dedication to the protection of citizen security and human rights. And as President Obama told President Calderon when he visited last week, we are with you, we will be there for you, we stand by your side as you do everything you can to protect the good people of Mexico from this scourge of criminality.
(The Award was presented.) (Applause.)
Ghulam Sughra of Pakistan – (applause). She has lived a life that demonstrates unequivocally that one person can make a difference. In her village, she stood up for her own rights and, as the First Lady said, became the first woman to get a divorce. And then she decided she wanted to fulfill her own dream and to become educated. And then she decided she wanted to help others have the same opportunities. So for sheer determination and strength to overcome poverty and gender discrimination, and to help other rural women in your village and far beyond have a chance to be educated and to educate their children and to provide a better future to transform their own their lives, we are so proud to present you with this award.
(The Award was presented.) (Applause.)
I also want to honor the two special women who were unable to join us here today because their governments would not permit them to come. They also are true women of courage and conviction, and I regret they cannot be here with us in person, but let us remember and acknowledge them.
Nasta Palazhanka of Belarus – she has been living through such a difficult time. A country right in Europe that is still oppressing its people, rigging elections, jailing political opponents in the most brutal and oppressive ways, is an intimidating force. But, she has stood up and spoken out. So for her resolute commitment to promoting civil society and youth political activism, and braving – bravely helping to chart a peaceful path toward democratic society, we applaud her. (Applause.)
And finally, Yoani Sanchez of Cuba. She is the young blogger that Mrs. Obama referenced. She has used technology to promote positive change. She has created an interactive space for the exchange of ideas and free expression. She has given voice to the concerns and aspirations of her fellow citizens. And, as governments are learning around the world, you cannot stop the internet. (Laughter.) And so her words, despite her government’s best efforts, are being translated into other languages, are being picked up and spread around because freedom knows no boundaries. And she deserves our thanks for demonstrating that again and again. (Applause.)
Let me now invite President Otunbayeva to come and express the reactions and feelings of the award winners and to perhaps say a few words on behalf of herself and her country.
Madam President. (Applause.)
PRESIDENT OTUNBAYEVA: Madam Secretary, dear Mrs. Obama, ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for your kind words and attention. Secretary Clinton, I accept this award on behalf of all women of Kyrgyzstan who struggle from the day to day to make their voices heard. This award belongs to those who, despite their condition, rise above and demand respect to their human dignity. In big politics, when a woman stands up to dictator or it is a domestic situation when she refuses to accept violence and humiliation, what do we have celebrating today? The courage is one of the same quality and scale. Many millions of women do not have the fame and publicity that I enjoyed in my political career. It is so to these nameless, but truly heroic women that I dedicate this award and mostly humbly pledge to continue my work for the cause of social justice and the rule of law.
It is also great honor to share this award to this distinguished group of women activists from around the planet. It is really inspiring to be here and hear your amazing stories. Madam Secretary, a year ago today on March 8th, International Women’s Day, I stood in a square of Bishkek near the monument of Urkiya Salieva, a heroine of Kyrgyz women emancipation. I had invited several members of parliament, civic activists, human rights defenders, and youth leaders to that square to mark the International Women Solidarity Day. The idea was simple to come to a public space together on a public holiday. What could be less threatening than a group of women, some with their children in strollers, coming together to celebrate?
A year ago in my country, it was very dangerous. You were risking a lot to initiate or participate in anything resembling a public protest. When less than a dozen activists showed up, I could not blame any of my friends and colleagues who chose to stay home that day. We all lived in fear. The usual news in my country was about political killings, attacks against journalists, jailing, persecution of opposition leaders, shutting down of the independent newspapers and websites. It was on April 7 last year that the youth of the country said enough to silently watch the very meager national resources be stolen by the corrupt dictatorial family. We paid a very dear price to liberate our nation; more than 80 young people choose to die rather than to continue to live in fear.
The interim government that was formed by the opposition on that day focused on efforts not to squander the liberty that we achieved. We knew that it was not enough just to depose the dictator. We had to rebuild the country on the principles of rule of law and democracy. Within three months, we held a national referendum to approve the new constitution that transformed the country into the first parliamentary democracy in the region. (Applause.) We then provided for political parties, including those that were opposed to us or even directly represented interests of the past regime compete freely in the parliamentary elections. For the first time in our history, the people of Kyrgyzstan elected its own government.
While the difficulties remain and we have many challenges ahead of us, we remain proud and optimistic, yes. When you are a dictatorship, it is very easy to create the artificial picture of stability and harmony. When you have a democracy, you must learn to accept many voices, some of them very critical, some even insulting. To the outsiders, it looks like you are about to collapse every minute. (Laughter.) But it is via this active dialog and public debate that we can find compromise and pursue what is best for the national interest. We may look more in disarray today when we were a year ago, but most certainly we are much stronger as a state and as a people.
Madam Secretary, dear friends and colleagues, I want to share with you one or two ideas of the occasion of today’s International Women Solidarity today. This day was pronounced 100 years ago by social democratic women leaders in Europe. I was named after one of them, Rosa Luxemburg. Although, some of their – (applause) – although, some of their theories may have been flawed, it is through their idea of liberating and empowering women that I owe my education and the fact that I was blessed with so many opportunities in this life. What I am concerned with today is that we see a lot of achievements in the area of women rights being eroded now and scaled back. It breaks my heart to see young women and girls in the region not to have the same rights and the opportunities that we, their mothers, had.
Yes, we can see a lot of progress in public awareness from the time 15 years ago when I saw you, Secretary Clinton, famously declaring in Beijing human rights are women rights. (Applause.) Women rights are human rights. (Applause.) However, when it comes to the reality, the reality in many places of the world remains disappointing and even worsening.
I think I’m talking about the same fundamental that was discussed by President Obama in his book “The Audacity of Hope,” how Indonesia of his childhood has become a very different place now. Why’s that I ask you? There is a lot of talk about export of democracies. Your most (inaudible) discuss how the developed West is supposedly trying to impose its own values on the rest of the humanity. However, nobody talks about the different kind of export, how billions of dollars are spent by some powerful and obviously very rich outside forces for programs that aim to re-enslave women, to deny them their rights and freedoms. Ideology of religious extremism disseminates intolerance towards representatives of other religions and ethnicity. It refuses to see women as equal important and rightful members of the society. The time has come that we stop shying away from confronting those in our own countries and internationally who declare women as inferior creatures. (Applause.)
The historic times that we are witnessing in the Middle East and elsewhere should really serve as a call for action. Young girls everywhere, not only in such countries as Kyrgyzstan or Afghanistan, should have equal access to education, employment, full-scale of political and social rights. They deserve nothing less than that. It is not enough to liberate societies. Without liberating and empowering every individual’s of that society, there won’t be any justice. (Applause.)
Madam Secretary, dear Mrs. Obama, in many languages – I can talk most certainly in the Kyrgyz and in Russian, the notion of courage has very strong masculine terms. Historically and culturally for much of the recent history, only men supposedly could be brave. Of course, these men who wrote the history books prefer to forget about the period – (laughter) – of matriarchy when we know that it was the women who ruled the planet.
I want to thank you, Secretary Clinton, for continuing these awards that redefines the word courage in very feminine terms. I’m very proud to be a woman, a mother, a daughter, and a sister. I’m very proud to be here today and receive this award. Happy March 8th. (Applause.)
SECRETARY CLINTON: Oh, my. Well, now you know why we all just admire and have such great feeling for her. I want now to invite our Cameroon winner, Henriette Ekwe Ebongo. Please come and say a few words. (Applause.)
MS. EBONGO: Mrs. Obama, Secretary Clinton, distinguished invitees, today is a great day for us. The sun is brightly shining in our hearts. Each of us is waging a fierce battle for the ideals and unshakable convictions she stands for. Each of us does it, whatever the price to pay, the loneliness of (inaudible), repression, torture, and (inaudible) from everywhere the violence of those who (inaudible) humiliations. We tried to achieve our goals, making our country the best place to live where you enjoy freedom, (inaudible) in democracy, development, gender equity, and good governance.
Our societies still suffer so many diseases that we could not just fold our arms and wait. Our commitment to changes likely to improve our citizens’ lives was and still is our life’s missions. We did not think about becoming heroines, but it just happened that we were there and had to fulfill our historical duty.
We do appreciate this award of International Women of Courage as a wonderful umbrella and shield to protect us in our daily activities. We welcome this precious award as a tremendous (inaudible) tool for younger generation to stand up and fight and pave the way for the future, a better future. The International Women of Courage Award represent for all of us a new beginning and a good reason to stand firm. This country has done a lot in shaping the mentalities and contributing to building a modern, democratic society. Only half of my (inaudible), let me express our deep and sincere gratitude. Thank you. (Applause.)
AMBASSADOR VERVEER: And now to close the celebration, we have a very special surprise. Grammy Award-winning composer and lyricist Tena Clark has written a song for today, a song to honor the International Women of Courage and the women they represent around the world and to honor Secretary Clinton and the First Lady.
Judith, can you come up please? “I Believe” will be performed now for the first time, and here is Judith Hall to do so. (Applause.)
(Song is performed.)
(Applause.)
AMBASSADOR VERVEER: Judith, thank you so much. Tena, thank you so much for composing that.
At this time, we ask that all of our guests hold while the First Lady, the Secretary, and the honorees take photos and take leave of the room. And then we invite all of you to join us for a reception upstairs in the Ben Franklin Room. As the President said, Happy March 8th. Thank you all again. (Applause.)
U.S.-AUSTRALIAN BILATERAL MEETING AT STATE DEPARTMENT
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton holds a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., on March 8, 2011.
Department of State, March 8, 2011:
Remarks With Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Before Their Meeting
SECRETARY CLINTON: Good morning. Well, this is an especially auspicious and delightful occasion to welcome the prime minister here on any day, but especially on International Women’s Day, the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. We saw a great example of the close cooperation and partnership between the United States and Australia yesterday when the prime minister met with the President when they went on to visit a school together.
The United States and Australia are friends by choice, partners, allies committed to meeting the challenges of the 21st century together just as we have met the challenges of the past. So, I’m looking forward to going into even more detail with the prime minister on some of the issues that we discussed in the Oval Office, and then to having her join me for just a short while – too short – but to make some remarks at our annual International Women of Courage Day.
PRIME MINISTER GILLARD: Thank you and can I say it's absolutely fantastic to be here on International Women’s Day, and I’m very much looking forward to my discussions with Secretary Clinton. We had the opportunity to meet in Melbourne when Secretary Clinton was in Australia for our Annual Strategic Dialogue at AUSMIN talks and I enjoyed our discussions there. It’s fantastic to be here on today of all days. So very much looking forward to it.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you so much, Prime Minister.
PRIME MINISTER GILLARD: Thank you.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you all very much.
BULLYING PREVENTION
Answering Your Questions on Bullying Prevention
Posted by Sarah Bernard
Every day, thousands of kids, teens, and young adults around the country are bullied. Estimates are that nearly one-third of all school-aged children are bullied each school year - upwards of 13 million students. Students involved in bullying are more likely to have challenges in school, to abuse drugs and alcohol, and to have health and mental health issues. If we fail to address bullying we put ourselves at a disadvantage for increasing academic achievement and making sure all of our students are college and career ready.
On Thursday, the White House Conference on Bullying Prevention will bring together communities from across the nation who have been affected by bullying as well as those who are taking action to address it. As part of the agenda, Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett will host a policy panel with issue experts including Catherine Bradshaw of Johns Hopkins University, George Sugai from the University of Connecticut, Susan Swearer-Napolitano from the University of Nebraska, as well as the Cyberbullying Research Center's Justin Patchin.
Would you like Valerie to pose a question on your behalf?
Send us your question here, or at Facebook.com/WhiteHouse to ask your question as a comment on our wall. Valerie Jarrett will pose as many of them as she can during the Experts Panel on Thursday morning. Tune in to watch at 11:00am EST at whitehouse.gov/live.