U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Observes Women's History Month

WASHINGTON, March 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights joins the nation in acknowledging and commemorating the courage and determination of countless women who sacrificed and fought to participate fully in American democracy.  Women have shaped our society to be more inclusive and fair to all its citizens, regardless of their gender.

Women have come a long way, from fighting for an equal vote to holding political offices across the United States. Their struggles have helped our society understand the need to be more tolerant and just. However, even with passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act of 2009, full-time female workers still earn about 78 cents on the dollar compared to their male counterparts.

America's march toward gender equality is not done yet. President Obama reminds us to "reflect on the marks made by women throughout history" and "uphold the responsibility that falls on all of us -- regardless of gender -- and fight for equal opportunity for our daughters as well as our sons."1

"From Sacagawea, to Susan B. Anthony to Rosa Parks to Dolores Huerta, women have shaped the country that we are today.  It is women in every role in society today from mother, to CEO, to elected leader who will shape our Nation's future. This month we celebrate the generational impact of women." – Commission Chairman Martin R. Castro.

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is an independent, bipartisan agency charged with advising the President and Congress on civil rights matters and issuing a federal civil rights enforcement report. For information about Commission's reports and meetings, visit http://www.usccr.gov.

1 "Presidential Proclamation -- Women's History Month, 2016." The White House. The White House, 2016. Web. 04 Mar. 2016.

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SOURCE U.S. Commission on Civil Rights