DNC statements in honor of Women’s History Month

[ellisonz]

Thursday, March 01, 2012 at 11:18 p.m. ET

The Democratic National Committee released the following statements today in honor of Women’s History Month.

Statement from DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz:

“Women’s History Month provides all Americans an opportunity to honor the contributions that millions of American mothers, sisters, and daughters have made to our country. This year, the theme of Women’s History Month is ‘Women’s Education—Women’s Empowerment.’ As we know, it has been a long and difficult journey for women’s equality in education. It was not until 1833, when Oberlin College was chartered, that an American college would admit women for study. In 1972, Title IX was passed and when it was enacted in 1977, it prohibited gender discrimination by federally funded institutions and remains a powerful tool for women’s advancements in education.

“As we reflect on the history of American women, it is important to recognize the sweeping progress for women in this country under President Obama’s leadership. The President took the important step of enacting the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the first act he signed into law as President, and moving us one step closer to equal pay for equal work. He also fought successfully for passage of the Affordable Care Act, which prevents insurance companies from unfairly discriminating against women—and he recently showed great courage by addressing concerns over religious liberty while still ensuring that all women will have access to free preventive care, including contraception, no matter where they work. Through the Recovery Act, he issued more than 2,300 microloans and invested in 12,000 women-owned small businesses by way of more than $3 billion in grants. He nominated two women to the Supreme Court, including the first Latina, and seven women to cabinet-rank positions. And he is helping to increase participation by women and girls in the science, technology, engineering and math fields.

“But while this month offers a critical period of reflection on how far we’ve come, it’s also a reminder that we have more to do. As a mother of two daughters, I believe we must remember the accomplishments of our mothers and grandmothers not only for what they have achieved, but also so that we may inspire future generations with their example.”

Statement from DNC Women’s Caucus Chair Mame Reiley:

“We know that over the course of American history, women have fought bravely for the right to participate fully alongside men in the voting booth, in the board room, and in every aspect of our daily lives. It’s a struggle that continues to this day—but as a result of the unbreakable strength and dedication of so many American women who have made this nation great, we are now closer than ever before to achieving full equality.

“But if Women’s History Month teaches us anything, it’s that we must never stop fighting to move our nation forward and secure a better future for all women. That means standing up against assaults on women’s rights in Congress and on the campaign trail, and making our voices heard by actively participating in our political process and engaging women in their local communities. We know the crucial role that women have to play in the 2012 election—in 2008, President Obama won the women’s vote by 13 points. We must continue to engage women voters across the country, and that is exactly what we will be doing at the DNC each and every day from now until November and beyond.”

DNC Website Link