Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 118.djvu/4190

 118 STAT. 4160 PROCLAMATION 7807—SEPT. 4, 2004 Today, American women are leaders in business, government, law, science, medicine, the arts, education, and many other fields. Women- owned businesses account for nearly half of all privately held firms and are opening at twice the rate of male-owned businesses. Through vision, determination, and a strong work ethic, remarkable American women have broadened opportunities for themselves and women around the world. The full participation of women and the protection of their rights as citizens are essential for freedom and democracy to flourish. In Af- ghanistan, women helped draft their country’s new constitution in Jan- uary 2004, which guarantees free elections and full participation by women. These women are eager to exercise their rights and are reg- istering to vote in great numbers; about 40 percent of those registered to vote in the October Afghan Presidential elections are women. In Iraq, women are members of the new interim Iraqi government and the recently established National Council. They also participated in draft- ing the Transitional Administrative Law, which prohibits discrimina- tion on the basis of gender, ethnicity, or religion and requires that 25 percent of the new legislature be women. In the face of great chal- lenges, Iraqi women are building a better nation for themselves and their families. As we look to the future, we celebrate the extraordinary accomplish- ments of women in America and throughout the world and renew our commitment to equality for all women, both at home and abroad. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 26, 2004, as Women’s Equality Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty- sixth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7807 of September 4, 2004 Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2004 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Minority businesses are a key component of the American economy and reflect the values that make our country strong. They create oppor- tunities for workers, provide goods and services to consumers, and strengthen our communities. During Minority Enterprise Development Week, we celebrate the achievements of minority businesses and em- phasize our commitment to creating an environment in which these entrepreneurs can succeed. All of America benefits from the strong and vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of our small business owners. By reducing taxes, encouraging in- VerDate 11-MAY-2000 15:04 Nov 10, 2005 Jkt 029194 PO 00000 Frm 00126 Fmt 8087 Sfmt 8087 C:\STATUTES\2004\29194PT4.004 APPS10 PsN: 29194PT4

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