Women

In November, women overwhelmingly supported President Obama—and that’s because we knew as women that President Barack Obama has and always will fight for us. This is why on National Equal Pay Day, alongside President Obama, we must rededicate ourselves to the fight for equality and understand that our work is far from finished. Because these issues are not just women’s issues; they are issues for all of our families.

On Saturday, the Affordable Care Act turned 3 years old! The Affordable Care Act requires health care plans to cover preventative services like cancer screenings and birth control with no out-of-pocket costs. To celebrate the law’s anniversary, Secretary Kathleen Sebelius outlined the law’s future, including the new Health Insurance Marketplace.

As we celebrate Women's History Month 2013, young women across the country are taking time to reflect upon the great progress our country has made since women were granted the right to vote nearly 93 years ago, but we also recognize the work that has yet to be done. As Republicans continue to support policies that restrict access to healthcare, family planning, and equal pay, women find themselves struggling to have their voices heard in the most basic and critical ways. And when women's voices are silenced, our economy suffers.

Despite incredible obstacles, African American women have been quietly changing history for hundreds of years. By simply refusing to get up, Rosa Parks helped launch the civil rights movement. Dr. Mae Jemison proved that with hard work you really can touch the stars. Women have been tearing down obstacles and paving the way for other women to realize their dreams since the beginning of time.