Young Democrats of America Celebrate Women’s History Month

The Young Democrats of America commemorates the month of March as Women’s History Month.

The last few years in American politics have been exciting for women. In 2006, Nancy Pelosi became the first female Speaker of the House. And in 2008, Hillary Clinton is one of two remaining presidential contenders in the Democratic presidential primary. Two achievements for women in American politics not imagined just but a few short years ago. While Speaker Pelosi and Senator Clinton will be placed in the history books along with many American heroines too numerous to name (but no less important), we still have a ways to go in women’s political leadership.

Of the 535 seats in Congress, 85 are occupied by women (71 in the House, 14 in the Senate), a record in the U.S. but certainly far short of women’s representation as more than half of the population. In state government, there are only 8 women who serve as governors, 15 women as lieutenant governors and 15 women as chief justices of the state’s highest court. As with politics, women have made advancements in other fields like medicine, law, education, finance, business ownership and the military but many glass ceilings remain to be shattered.

As Democrats, and particularly for young Democratic women, we remember all the women who have fought for the rights which today’s women enjoy, including the right to vote. We remember that there are still many rights we must continue to fight for such as pay equity, equal employment opportunities, Title IX, improved sexual and domestic assault laws, family friendly work policies, and full access to reproductive health options. Though we pause to honor the women who have led the way before us this month, as young people we must remember to vote and participate in the process; in that way, we continue the work of our foremothers all year long.

“We must create a bright history for women,” said Atima Omara-Alwala, Young Democrats of America’s Women’s Caucus Chair. “We have to continue to push for equal rights in the workplace, electing more women to office, and encouraging young women to reach for the stars.”