On International Women's Day, Politico published two opinion pieces discussing the benefits of U.S. aid to support women overseas.

~ Dana Perino, Politico: "Empowering one woman is an investment in the future of families and countries," Perino -- a former press secretary to President George W. Bush -- writes in an opinion piece discussing her work with Women ONE2ONE in Africa. She notes that "[o]ne in every 22 African mothers die in childbirth, more than 200 times the rate in the United States." Perino continues, "I believe that, as an American woman, I can help bring opportunity to women in the developing world by spreading their stories and urging our country's lawmaker to make smart investments." She adds, "From what I have seen, our aid money is being well spent," as African women often "stretch every dollar, spending in innovative ways." Perino writes, "Together, we can pool our power to connect, take action and help shape a better, more profitable future for the women I met, their families and, ultimately, their countries" (Perino, Politico, 3/8).

~ Ann Lewis/Susan Molinari, Politico: "Encouraging education, economic opportunity and good governance helps to build a more secure and safer world," according Lewis -- former director of communications for President Clinton and adviser to the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition -- and Molinari -- a former Republican House member from New York and adviser to USGLC. "Investment in women and girls' education and empowerment is increasingly recognized as a linchpin to advancing social, economic and political progress in most poor countries," Lewis and Molinari write. They add, "Girls with just one year of formal education are less likely to suffer from illness or hunger and more likely to avoid teen pregnancy, and their children are less likely to die in infancy." U.S. aid for "human and economic development now -- on education, basic health and infrastructure -- is a smart investment," which is why "Democrats and Republicans agree that more resources are needed for these programs, including funds for agricultural development, health and women and girls," the authors write (Lewis/Molinari, Politico, 3/8).

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