Politics

On the 90th Anniversary of Women Gaining the Right to Vote

By Speaker Pelosi

On Women?s Equality day, we honor the brave suffragettes who altered the course of history and ushered in a new age of progress for all Americans. These pioneers marched and organized, struggled and sacrificed, for the cause of equality ? and in the name of a better life for generations of women and girls yet to come.

On this day 90 years ago, their dream was realized. And it is up to us today to use the right to vote ? the right so many fought to secure ? for the advancement of all Americans, to ensure a better future for our families, and to guarantee that the voices of America?s women echo from polling places to the chambers of government.

In Congress, we work day in and day out to build on the work of early suffragettes by improving the lives of women. Our efforts to create jobs are critical to America?s women, as we now make up half of the workforce. From the Lilly Ledbetter Act to health insurance reform, we are giving women the tools to secure fair treatment in the workplace and build healthier lives at home. And today, for the first time in history, three women serve as justices on the United States Supreme Court.

Despite all the progress we?ve made, we know there is still a long way to go. Women still make up just 17 percent of both the House and Senate, and earn 77 cents for every dollar men make. It?s past time for the Senate to take up the Paycheck Fairness Act ? already passed by the House ? to right this wrong.

Nine decades after the 19th amendment took effect, our journey for equality goes on. Standing on the shoulders of giants, we must engage in the political process, embrace our heritage, and never stop fighting for a brighter future for every American.

Full post as published by The Gavel on August 26, 2010 (boomark / email).