October 2008
State Legislators Review US Foreign Policy and Its Impact on Women’s Human Rights Worldwide
For the eighth year in a row, the Center recently convened a new group of state legislators in the Nation’s Capital for its unique Foreign Policy Institute for State Legislators. Fifteen state legislators representing as many states, came together to learn about the United States’ foreign policy and how it affects women and girls worldwide.
|
Front row L-R: Christine Eun Jung Oh, Center Intern, Rep. Elizabeth Dennigan (RI), Sen. Rosa Franklin (WA), Dr. Leslie R. Wolfe, Center’s President, Sen. Yvonne B. Miller (VA), Rep. Sue Chew (ID), Rep. Wilhelmina Epps Lewellen (AR), Rep. Laura Hall (AL); Second row L-R: Stacii Stegall Bryson, Center’s Director of Finance and Administration, Jennifer Tucker, Center’s Vice President, Rep. Pat Dillon (CT); Rep. Eileen Ehlers (NH), Rep. Nancy Todd (CO), Sen. Meg Burton-Cahill (AZ), Rep. Kathy Hawken (ND), Anna Taleysnik-Mehta, Center Program Associate; Third Row L-R: Rep. Stacey Abrams (GA), Rep. Franke Wilmer (MT), Rep. Sara A. Gelser (OR), Rep. Jennifer Seelig (UT).
© Sylvia Johnson Photography 2008
|
Over the course of a week, the legislators learned about foreign policy from a faculty of experts, State Department and Congressional officials who covered a broad range of issues, including women and HIV/AIDS, trafficking of women and girls, reproductive rights and justice, violence against women, climate change and women, peace and security.
As the demographics in legislative districts across the country change to reflect the faces of women from throughout the world, the Institute helps its participants deepen their understanding of the concerns of many of their states’ newest citizens. Their discussions with the faculty members and amongst themselves allowed the legislators to learn and explore possibilities for action in their legislatures.
With the culmination of this year’s Institute, the Center has graduated 99 state legislators from 39 states. The legislators leave the Institute with a keener awareness of the foreign policy issues and a set of new tools and resources to help them address the challenges that women and their families around the world face every day.
To learn more about our programs, contact us at cwps@centerwomenpolicy.org.
To support our work, DONATE NOW. |
