http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-894137.mp3
Albany, NY – The International Violence Against Women Act is a landmark piece of legislation - a bill that ties American foreign policy directly to the treatment of women. Supporters of what's known as IVAWA recently held a powerful telephone press conference, and this week on 51% we're going to feature those speakers - all of them. First in line is Humaira Shahid, a Pakistani journalist and legislator who is lobbying Congress to make IVAWA law.
2:55 Shahid
Humaira Shahid is a Pakistani journalist and legislator who is pushing for the passage of the International Violence Against Women Act.
Also participating in the call was Ritu Sharma, the head of Women Thrive Worldwide, a women's political advocacy organization.
4:43 Sharma
That's Ritu Sharma, cofounder and director of Women Thrive Worldwide discussing the push to finally pass the International Violence Against Women Act. Their website is women thrive.org.
This week we're devoting the show to the International Violence Against Women Act, a bill which has languished in Washington, but may finally this year become law. One of the co-sponsors is Congressman Bill Delahunt of Massachusetts. He's not planning to run for office next year, and he wants IVAWA to be the legacy of his more than ten years in the House.
4:03 Delahunt
That's Democratic Congressman Bill Delahunt, one of the house co-sponsors of the International Violence Against Women Act. Also on the recent press call was Democrat Jan Schakowsky of Illinois, who is running for her eighth term this year.
2:16 Schakowsky
And finally, a celebrity speaks out for IVAWA, too. Actor Ashley Judd is currently studying for her graduate degree and she's a passionate advocate for this piece of legislation.
7:01 Judd
That's actress and women's rights activist Ashley Judd - and she's also pushing hard for the passage this year of the International Violence Against Women Act.