Reid discusses push to highlight women in Afghanistan

October 8, 2009

Nevada Senator Harry Reid meets with representatives from the Feminist Majority in his office in Washington D.C. They discussed the need for health insurance reforms which will benefit women and the importance of considering the women living in Afghanistan in the context of U.S. strategy.

Washington, D.C.—Nevada Senator Harry Reid met with representatives from the Feminist Majority to discuss health insurance reform and the conditions facing women living in Afghanistan. Harriet Trudell; Peg Yorkin, Board Chair, Feminist Majority Foundation; Ina Coleman, Board Member, Feminist Majority Foundation; Eleanor Smeal, President; Kathy Spillar, Executive Vice President; and Norma Gattsek, Govt. Relations Director from the Feminist Majority discussed the positive impact that health insurance reform will have on women. Women are often charged higher premiums than men and are all-too-often denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions, even including pregnancy and domestic violence. Sen. Reid assured them of his commitment to bring legislation to the floor that will make health care accessible and affordable for all women.

The group also discussed a push by the Feminist Majority to highlight women in Afghanistan. Despite the difficulties created by war, the situation for women in Afghanistan has seen some improvement as a result of United States involvement.  In addition to discussing the accomplishments that have been made, the group discussed ongoing concerns about the treatment of women. The Feminist Majority has begun a campaign to ensure that the women of Afghanistan will continue to have opportunities to participate in public society.

“I want to thank the Feminist Majority for ensuring that the fate of the Afghan people, particularly women, is not lost in the current debate about our future strategy in Afghanistan,” said Reid. “Women are more than half the population in Afghanistan, the best thing for the economic development of that country is to continue to provide opportunities for women to study, work and lead in their communities.”