Obama hails women on International Women’s Day

The Obamas were joined by Madeleine Albright, the first woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of State, actress Kerry Washington, ‘American Idol’ contestant Katharine McPhee, and Afghan singer Mozdah Jamalzadah, as they addressed an audience, mostly comprising of women, in the East Room at the White House.

First lady speaks first
“So, I get so speak first while he stands and watches -- I love this!” said Mrs. Obama as female folk in the audience quietly laughed.

“Look at me adoringly!” she told the president, who stood on one side and replied, “I can do that.”

Students from several Washington area schools and some dignitaries were among the audience at the March 8 event.

Honoring women
Mrs. Obama said they must not only honor the top names that have marked the struggle for equality, but the “quiet heroes” must also receive their share of adoration and respect.

“We honor the women who traveled those lonely roads to be the first ones in those court rooms, to be the first ones in those board rooms, to be the first ones on those playing fields, and to be the first ones on those battlefields,” she said. “We honor women who refused to listen to those who would say that you couldn't or shouldn't pursue your dreams.”

Encouraging empowerment of women
When President Obama took over the mike, he compared the progress of women to that of the nation. They have had to face ups and downs and have both seen significant growth in the face of hardships and trying times, he said.

Also, the president mentioned despite all the growth and advancement, unfair gender bias exists and he pledged to work towards empowerment of women.

“Even as we reflect on the hope of our history, we must also face squarely the reality of the present -- a reality marked by unfairness, marked by hardship for too many women in America,” he said.

President notes gender inequality
Pointing out to what he called the ‘statistics of inequality’, women earning only 77 percent as compared to men, being the victims of domestic violence and getting just 17 percent of the seats in Congress, the president acknowledged that gender equality is yet to be achieved.

“The fundamental truth (is) that in 2010, full gender equality has not yet been achieved; that the task of perfecting America goes on; and that all of us, men and women, have a part to play in bending the arc in America's story upward in the 21st century,” Obama said.

The president credited “daring, indomitable women” for helping take the nation to heights and he also expressed admiration for his wife Michelle. “I'm biased, I acknowledge,” he said, “but I think she's a pretty good first lady.”

And in response to Mrs. Obama’s demand, the president said, “I'm very sincere when I look at you adoringly.”