Global Women’s Issues Scorecard on the Bush Administration

Measuring rhetoric against reality

August 26, 2003 (Women's Equality Day)--At a press conference in Washington, DC this morning, advocates for global women’s rights, health and development unveiled grades for Bush administration reality vs. their official statements, including:

“Our coalition has liberated Afghanistan and restored
fundamental human rights and freedoms to Afghan women…Young girls in Afghanistan are able to attend schools for the first time.” --President Bush, 8/23/02

“I propose the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief…commit[ting] $15 billion over the next five years, including nearly $10 billion in new money, to turn the tide against AIDS…” --President Bush, 1/28/03

Speakers included:

Ellie Smeal, President, Feminist Majority – speaking on Bush administration policies affecting Afghan women and on CEDAW, the International Treaty for the Rights of Women.

Jodi Jacobson, Executive Director, Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE) – on the global HIV/AIDS initiative and international family planning.

June Zeitlin, Executive Director, Women's Environment and Development Organization (WEDO) – on agricultural subsidies, the Millennium Challenge Account and policies affecting Iraqi women.

CONTACT: Ketayoun Darvich-Kodjouri, 202/326-8720

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