WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Charles Rangel issued the following statement in honor of Women's Equality Day, which is on August 26, 2011:

"Ninety one years ago today, America took a giant step forward with the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote on August 26, 1920. Since its ratification, the role of women in America has evolved dramatically as women have become elected public servants, Cabinet Secretaries, Supreme Court justices, Generals in the U.S. military, CEO's of Fortune 500 companies, and held top leadership roles in every sector of our society.

My congressional district in Manhattan is blessed to have numerous women advocacy groups that work hard to empower the women in our community. Among the organizations include: Women of El Barrio/Mujeres de El Barrio, Inc., National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Links, Inc., Dominican Women Development Center, Inc., National Council of Negro Women, Inc., Dominican Sunday, Inc., Women Chamber of Commerce, Inc., Harlem Mothers S.A.V.E. and Northern Manhattan Perinatal Partnership, Inc. The services they provide for all my constituents have been invaluable.

As we commemorate Women's Equality Day, I am also reminded of the great female leaders that I have had the privilege to know and work with, especially trailblazing Representatives Bella Abzug, Shirley Chisholm, Barbara Jordan and Geraldine Ferraro among countless others. Women today are well-served by leaders like Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Representatives Yvette Clark and Nydia Velasquez who continue the footsteps of their predecessors to advance the rights of women in New York and the country.

While Democrats in Congress have secured passage of the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and Paycheck Fairness Act in 2009, gender discrimination and inequality still exist in our society. That is why I am a proud co-sponsor of Rep. Carolyn Maloney's bill to amend the Constitution, guaranteeing equal rights for men and women.  I will continue to work together with my colleagues and advocacy groups to achieve equality for everyone in America as we guide our nation towards a better future."