Senator Malcolm A. Smith Recognizes March as Women’s History Month

Senator Malcolm A. Smith Recognizes March as Women’s History Month
National Women’s History Month has been officially celebrated in the month of March since 1987.

(St. Albans, NY)- Senator Malcolm A. Smith (D-St. Albans) is recognizing the month of March as Women’s History Month. Smith notes that this month is a great opportunity to reflect not only on how women have shaped our society, government, culture and all aspects of our lives, but also the inequalities that remain, particularly the absence of equal pay for equal work and the hindrance of women’s reproductive rights. In New York State, women have played an integral part in shaping the laws and legislation of today.

Senator Smith is a strong advocate for women’s rights and is encouraging all New Yorkers to volunteer and help women in the community, particularly women working to get back on their feet after incidences of domestic violence, and the mothers who are homeless and struggling to provide for their children as a result of the economy.
 
 “New York has always played a proud role in women’s history, and now we must continue to lead the way for a brighter future,” Senator Smith explained. “The legacy of equality and justice passed down from generation to generation is the obligation for continued progress we owe to our daughters and granddaughters.”
 
New York was home to Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton who in 1869 formed the National Woman Suffrage Association.  The primary goal of that organization was to achieve voting rights for women. March is a great month to take time to celebrate the enormous contributions of great women from our past.
 
“Eleanor Roosevelt once said, ‘At all times, day by day, we have to continue fighting for freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom from want… from these are things that must -- gained in peace as well as in war’. “Society is much more equal today, but sexism, discrimination, and racism have not disappeared and hamper our progress as a nation. I encourage all New Yorkers to reflect on our history this month, rededicate ourselves to fairness and equality for all, and volunteer in a way that helps women in our community,” Smith concluded.
 
Great organizations which help women succeed include:
·   New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence: http://www.nyscadv.org/

·   Safe Horizon, which moves victims of violence from crisis to confidence: http://www.safehorizon.org/

National Women’s History Month has been officially celebrated in the month of March since 1987. For information and local Women’s History Month events please go to: http://womenshistorymonth.gov/