Contact: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Press Office, 202-712-4320; Public Information, 202-712-4810 

WASHINGTON, March 8 /Standard Newswire/ -- The U.S. Agency for International Development and USAID Administrator Henrietta Fore hosted Mrs. Laura Bush and honored guests at an International Women's Day celebration today. The internationally recognized day is an opportunity to celebrate the advancement of women throughout the world and inspire all women to achieve their full potential. This day also serves as a reminder of the continued action that is required to ensure women's equality in every country.

"Today we salute women whose triumphs are written bold on the pages of history," said Mrs. Bush. "And we call attention to those for whom the pages have yet to be written -- women from Afghanistan to Zanzibar, who work to achieve a better life and equal rights for girls around the world. And with our help, I believe that we'll all ultimately succeed."

USAID is committed to improving women's equality and empowerment around the globe. The Agency supports programs in areas such as girls' education, women's legal rights and political participation, economic opportunity, maternal and child health, and anti-human trafficking; all of which help to advance the status of women.

"USAID recently completed a successful five-year Women's Legal Rights Initiative in ten developing countries, from southeast Europe, to Africa, to Latin America," said Henrietta Fore, USAID Administrator. "Public awareness and support for women's legal rights is on the increase -- thanks to American foreign assistance."

Please go to www.usaid.gov/press/releases/2008/pr080307_photo.html for a photograph of Mrs. Bush speaking at the USAID International Women's Day event.

For more information about USAID's Women in Development Programs, please visit www.usaid.gov/our_work/cross-cutting_programs/wid/ and for information about other USAID programs please visit www.usaid.gov .