Congressman Cleaver Celebrates Women's History Month

Press Release

Today, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II joined millions of Americans in marking the annual celebration of March as Women's History Month -- a commemoration that has occurred in America since 1987.

"During Women's History Month, we honor the courageous women in our history who have advanced the promise of equality, including such giants as Susan B. Anthony, Eleanor Roosevelt and Shirley Chisholm," Congressman Cleaver said.

This year, 2017, marks the 100th anniversary of women serving in Congress. On April 2, 1917, we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Jeannette Rankin, the first woman Member of Congress and a suffragette, being sworn into office. She was sworn into office three years before women nationwide were guaranteed the right to vote. In 1970, there were still only 11 women in Congress -- 10 in the House and 1 in the Senate. However, as progress for women has accelerated in recent years, the increase in the number of women in Congress has been dramatic. Now, in the 115th Congress, there is a record number of women serving in Congress, with a total of 109 women in Congress, including Delegates -- 88 in the House and 21 in the Senate.

"There are many steps that need to be taken to expand the economic opportunities available to America's women. In recent years, Congressional Democrats have been fighting to enact such critical legislation as ensuring equal pay for equal work, expanding the availability of affordable child care, a paid sick leave initiative, and a paid family leave initiative."

"As we celebrate Women's History Month, let us continue to work to make an America for our daughters and our granddaughters where they will truly have the equal rights, the equal opportunities, and the equal treatment, that they so need and deserve," Congressman Cleaver said.

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