MARYLAND PASSES CONFLICT- FREE MINERALS BILL
On May 2, 2012 Maryland State Governor Martin O’Malley Passed a Conflict free Mineral bill “HB 425” “ 551” which requires corporations “to disclose in a specified manner required by federal law specified information relating to conflict minerals that originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo or its neighboring Countries.”
The passing of Maryland State Bill “HB 425” is a monumental step in helping the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. African Women Council, Inc. is delighted to have played a role in helping to push the bill through the Maryland Legislature which emphasizes that minerals should be a source of stability and economic development instead of the conflict.
The signing was witnessed by State Delegate Shane Robinson, Enough Project, Father Jean-Claude and Marie-Rose Sirikari. The bill becomes effective on October1, 2012.
Marie-Rose Sirikari, President and Founder-CEO of African Women Council, Inc. she testified on February 23, 2012 at the State Senate introduced by State Senator Karen Montgomery on the negative impact conflict minerals are having on the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
On January 18 2012 African Women Council, Inc. (AWC) a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization based In Montgomery County was invited and attended an event sponsored by Maryland State Delegate Shane Robinson in his home District 39 in Gaithersburg, Maryland; where he announced his efforts to introduce state legislation bill.