International Women’s Day marks the achievements of women, but this year it’s also bringing awareness to the tough year women have endured.
On this #InternationalWomensDay, we celebrate the resilience and courage of women everywhere.
“Each time a woman stands up for herself…she stands up for all women.” – Maya Angelou
— Jill Biden (@FLOTUS) March 8, 2021
President Joe Biden released a statement and even used the occasion to focus on legislation that benefits women:
My Administration is committed to honoring women by investing in their opportunity, security, and wellbeing. I was proud to issue an Executive Order today establishing the White House Gender Policy Council, to ensure that every domestic and foreign policy we pursue rests on a foundation of dignity and equity for women. My Administration is also committed to ensuring that women are represented equally at all levels of the federal government. That starts with Vice President Harris, who broke through a barrier that stood for more than two centuries. And it includes a record number of diverse women whom I’ve nominated to serve in Cabinet-level roles and appointed to senior-level positions.
This is a huge step toward advancing gender equity and equality. Not only will the council fight back against harmful gender norms, sexual violence, and discrimination—they’ll take an intersectional approach to this work. https://t.co/XKFiejNI8w #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2021
— Reproductive Freedom for All (@reproforall) March 8, 2021
Today Vice President Kamala Harris marked the day by acknowledging the women who have worked so hard over this past year to help our country through the pandemic.
On this #InternationalWomensDay, I want to honor the women who for over a year have gone to work, often risking their health, to nourish and protect us—the doctors, nurses, teachers, grocery store workers, first responders, members of the military, scientists, and many more.
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) March 8, 2021
During a speech today (watch above) before the European Parliament, the Vice President remarked:
If we build a world that works for women, our nations will all be safer, stronger, and more prosperous. This International Women’s Day, let us be determined in this effort. Let us be united in this effort.
She added, “I also want to acknowledge the more than 2 million women who have had to leave the workforce. @POTUS and I are working with Congress to deliver direct relief through the American Rescue Plan and get women, like you, back to work.”
We need urgent action to help women recover from this pandemic. The #AmericanRescuePlan we passed last weekend is a step towards that recovery. Now, we must keep fighting for national paid leave, affordable child care, and equal pay. #InternationalWomensDay
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) March 8, 2021
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi echoed these comments in a statement:
“Here at home and around the world, we will not rest until the voices of every woman and girl is heard, respected and empowered – because nothing is more wholesome to our communities and the world than the increased leadership and participation of women.”
To our Women & Girls:
You are powerful.
You are limitless.
Your contributions to this world are brilliant, needed & uniquely yours.
Your ideas are substantive.
Your lived experiences belong at decision making tables.
You deserve a life free from fear, filled with dignity & love.— Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) March 8, 2021
I’m proud to work alongside my fellow Congresswomen in the @HouseDemWomen to fight for:
💵 Equal Pay
🏥 Universal child care
🤰 Reproductive rights
✊ Equality for allBy being here & speaking out we’re making HERstory every day.#InternationalWomensDay pic.twitter.com/JlwX0s4eVF
— Rep. Linda Sánchez (@RepLindaSanchez) March 8, 2021