U.S. Rep. Karen Bass released the following statement in honor of Women's Equality Day occurring today on August 26. The statement follows:
"Today we proudly mark the accomplishment of women and renew our efforts to achieving complete gender equality in our nation. We celebrate women pioneers and advocates who have labored to advance our entire society by fighting for equity and justice.
"Our work has led to progress, but those advancements are incomplete. Women only earn 81 cents on the dollar compared to men, and discrimination in the workplace remains very real and present. In the boardroom, inequality is severe as only 12 FORTUNE 500 companies are run by women. There are only 77 female members of Congress in a 435-person legislative body. Progress remains incremental.
"When women establish their own businesses or are hired to work, our economic recovery will truly be underway. More women employed will make for a stronger economy, a robust middle class, and benefit all of our communities.
"Today we honor women's equality, celebrate the advancements in our society, and continue the struggle to fully realize this vision."