Dear
Friends,
In March, we celebrate Women's History Month. This year's theme, Women's Art: Women's Vision, honors the originality, beauty, imagination, and multiple dimensions of women's lives. This month provides a unique time to remember those women who have contributed to our progress and recognize those who are changing our communities today.
From
such prominent local women as Dr. Barbara Weinstein who seeks
to improve the lives of children and those less fortunate than
her, to women like Fannie Lou Hamer, who wanted to exercise her
right to vote without intimidation, to the 86 women leaders currently
serving in the United States Congress, women have been raising
their voices and wielding their political power and clout throughout
American history.
As
advanced and progressive as America has been on issues improving
the lives of women, our country continues to lag far behind in
terms of policies to assist women in their struggle to lead or
achieve financial security.
While
America is a leader in the global fight to improve the lives of
women, shocking statistics shed a harsh light on how far we have
left to go in our own country:
Today,
women represent more than half the population and are among the
most knowledgeable and important thinkers in every field of policy,
from science to education to health care and national security.
As
the mother of two young daughters, it is so important to me that
they see strong women in all walks of life. I want them to understand
that from Title IX to Equal Pay they are standing on the shoulders
of courageous women who went before them.
The
only way we can ensure our girls see strong women is by continuing
to share our stories as women and work together to ensure equality
and prosperity for everyone.