Senator Stavisky Celebrates March As Women’s History Month

Senator Stavisky Celebrates March As Women’s History Month

Reflects on Women’s Accomplishments, New York’s Contributions to Empowerment, and Encourages Volunteerism

(Flushing, NY) Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Queens) is reminding all New Yorkers that March is Women’s History Month, an opportunity to reflect on how women have shaped our society, government, and culture, as well as to raise awareness about the inequalities that remain.

Senator Stavisky pointed out that this month is an opportunity for volunteers to help women in the community while also refocusing efforts to ensure equal pay for equal work and the protection of women’s health rights.

“As the first woman from Queens elected to the State Senate, I have a personal stake in remembering the women leaders who paved the way,” Senator Stavisky said. “Though we should be thankful for their work and sacrifice every day, I welcome the opportunity to spend the month of March being particularly aware of the role of women in our society, and thankful that it is greater now than it has ever been.”

Senator Stavisky noted that Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton formed the National Woman Suffrage Association in New York in 1869 to fight for a woman’s right to participate in American democracy.  The women’s suffrage movement gained its ultimate momentum at the Seneca Falls Convention when Lucretia Mott spoke to those who had journeyed to New York in search of equality, and culminated in the ratification of the 19^th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which established the right of women to vote.

Senator Stavisky added, “New York has played a pivotal role in women’s history, but there is much more to be done. This Women’s History Month, the Senate must stop stalling and pass the Reproductive Health Act, so that all women can have access to the services they need.”

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/