REP. CLARKE TELLS WOMEN LEADERS TO STAND FOR WOMEN’S REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

18TH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, NYC

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and WFWP USA President Angelika Selle

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (Democrat, Brooklyn) on Sept. 25, 2010 urged a women's conference in Manhattan to use their influence to further the cause of reproductive health for women around the world.

"I believe that no woman should die giving life, and the good news is that most pregnancy-related deaths as well as sexually transmitted infections and HIV are preventable through a package of basic, proven health interventions," Rep. Clarke told the women leaders of the Family Federation for World Peace gathered at the Manhattan Center.

Rep. Clarke explained that her proposed legislation, HR 5121, "also recognizes that half of the world's population is under the age of 25 and promotes reproductive healthcare through comprehensive education. It is aimed, she said, to assist women in natural disasters, and conflicts, to further reduce unsafe abortions, prevent sexually transmitted infections and HIV, contraception development, and the training of healthcare professionals.

"We women need to advocate for women's health needs like never before. While the United States recently has made up a lot of ground both in policy and funding that was lost in the previous administration, there is much more to be done," she said.

"That is why the Women's Federation for World Peace continues to play a critical and crucial role in being a voice for women around the world. It is important for women leaders like you to unite to see how we can use our influence in the world," she added.

The 18th Annual WFWP Conference heard a keynote address from Rev. In Jin Moon, President and CEO of the Holy Spirit Association for World Christianity, and the founder of the nationwide ministry known as "Lovin' Life." Rev. Moon called upon women leaders to become "agents of change" by guiding the rising generation to become the generation of peace. "If each and every one of seated her this morning decides today to be that agent of change, can we not create a better world? Can we not inspire our children to be that generation of peace? Can we not guarantee our children and grandchildren a safer world? We as women are the nurturers, we are the guides. We are the ones that empower and give our children the confidence to succeed," she said.

Other speakers included Graciela de Rompani de Pacheco, former First Lady of Uruguay and Patricia Lalonde, manager of the French NGO: Mobilization of Elected Women in Afghanistan (MEWA).

The WFWP was founded in 1992 by Dr. Hak Ja Han, wife of the Reverend Sun Myung Moon of Korea.