NAWJ HOLDS FOURTH ANNUAL MEETING WITH CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS FOR WOMEN'S ISSUES

On the morning of July 15, 2009, NAWJ President La Tia W. Martin and Meeting Chair Judge Juanita Bing Newton, Dean of the New York State Judicial Institute, together with 111th Congress' Caucus for Women's Issues Co-Chairs Rep. Janice Schakowsky of Illinois and Rep. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma hosted a revelatory exchange on pressing international and domestic challenges for women and girls in the world today. Nearly 60 judges, representatives, lawyers, government officials and bipartisan congressional staff were on hand for our Fourth Annual Breakfast Meeting between the National Association of Women Judges and the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues. The event took place inside the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC.

The meeting was opened with a warm welcome from Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, who urged us all to move the U.S. to sign on to the United Nations' Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly and often described as an international bill of rights for women; Congresswoman Mary Fallins reminded everyone that all corners of our political system are open and ready to continue the advancement of women.

Christina M. Tchen, Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement and Executive Director of the newly created White House Council of Women and Girls, offered a spirited charge to continue the pursuit of equality and justice for women. She also advised that the administration of President Barack Obama was interested in seeking outstanding women and minority candidates for various positions.

Greetings were then given by Hilda Solis, Secretary of Labor and former member of the House of Representatives who has used her outstanding leadership efforts to advance initiatives for women, girls and under-represented groups.

Melanne Verveer, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues, delivered the Keynote Address on Violence Against Women: A Domestic and International Perspective. She focused on the need to recognize that women's rights are human rights and outlined the diplomatic efforts being made towards that end. A lively and informative question and answer period followed her remarks. In response to the exchange of information, NAWJ President challenged our organization to develop local program events throughout our 14 Districts designed to educate our membership and others on the need to address international and local domestic violence issues.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, introduced by NAWJ President Martin, stated that the efforts of NAWJ have resulted in the increase of women in the legal profession thereby changing the face of justice in America. The speaker remained at the meeting after her remarks and personally greeted all in attendance with enthusiasm and good cheer.

The sponsors for the successful meeting included: Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., Linda Morgan, Esq., National Association of Women Lawyers, Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP and the Women's Bar Association of the District of Columbia.

For more information, contact Marie Komisar at NAWJ. Tel: (202) 393-0222