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Pelosi Statement on Women's Equality Day

August 26, 2011

Contact: Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on Women’s Equality Day:

“On Women’s Equality Day, our nation marks a turning point for progress and civil rights, a watershed moment in our ongoing pursuit of liberty and justice for all. On this day 91 years ago, we did more than ratify an amendment to our Constitution; we extended the core blessing of democracy – the right to vote – to all of America’s women. In doing so, we strengthened our country.

“Today, we celebrate and honor the work of those brave leaders – America’s suffragettes – who challenged the status quo, reached for the ballot, and succeeded against all odds. Out of their effort, women were empowered; out of their success, we moved closer to fulfilling our promise of equality, our heritage and our hope.

“The struggle of these courageous leaders continues in our time: in the fight for equal pay for equal work; in the battle for true equality in business and government, in law, medicine, and the arts. With women as our families’ primary caregivers, we must preserve Americans’ health security, and strengthen Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. And with women comprising half of the workforce and leading our economy as business owners, we know that advancing women’s empowerment today means focusing on the top priority of all Americans: job creation.

“We must strengthen women workers and entrepreneurs, expand our middle class and ensure the economic security of our families. In reaching for that goal, Congress can build on the legacy of Women’s Equality Day, advance the cause of equality and opportunity, and make our nation stronger.”

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