Congresswoman Matsui Commemorates Womens History Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 1, 2010

CONTACT: MARA LEE
(202) 225-7163

CA Today, Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (D Sacramento) recognized March as Women's History Month by honoring the contributions of women both nationally and within our own community. Women have played a pivotal role in helping to enact major changes in our country, whether through elected office, public service, or working behind the scenes. Unfortunately, women in elected office do not yet reflect the percentage of women in this country. In fact, women currently make-up just 17 percent of the United States Congress, holding 76 seats in the House of Representatives and 17 in the Senate.

Women's History Month reminds us that while women have achieved so much throughout the centuries the full potential of women in America has not yet been reached, shared Dr. Barbara O Connor, a Professor of Communications for Sacramento State College and Director of the Institute for the Study of Politics and Media. As the economy improves, so should the equity of qualified women. In some ways we have accomplished a great deal, but in many ways we still have a ways to go.

There are countless faces of female trailblazers whose names will never be printed in history textbooks, but the women of our mothers and grandmothers generations enabled us to achieve such dreams as the success that Dr. O Connor exemplifies, said Congresswoman Matsui. We must continue in that tradition, ensuring our children's greatest potential is attainable and each American can seize the promise of opportunity which has propelled our great nation thus far.

Congresswoman Matsui serves as a Member of the Congressional Women's Caucus, and is dedicated to helping lead the fight in Congress for policies that ensure equality and opportunity for all women, working on a broad range of issues that affect women and their families including securing good jobs, ensuring equal pay for equal work, improving access to affordable, quality healthcare and education and a secure retirement.

As I continue to work towards such critical initiatives as health insurance reform, improving public education, and improving the water we drink and the air we breathe, I am reminded of the triumphs of my predecessors in their efforts to further the health and well-being of American women and their families, said Matsui. I have worked with extraordinary female leaders both in Congress and in Sacramento, and admire all of them for the unique talents which they contribute to our community's prosperity.