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Schakowsky Statement on Women's Equality Day

August 26, 2017

CHICAGO – Today, on the ninety-seventh anniversary of the 19th amendment, Rep. Jan Schakowsky, a Chief Deputy Whip, released the following statement commemorating Women’s Equality Day:

“Today we celebrate Women’s Equality Day, honoring all those who fought to give women the right to vote in America. We also celebrate those who continue to work to make sure that women are treated equally throughout society – from the classroom to the shop floor, from the boardroom to the White House. The fight for women’s equality continues.

“The suffragettes fought for voting rights – and with massive voter suppression efforts being waged around the country, we must push back to continue their mission. Today’s women also continue to fight for social and economic rights: equal pay, retirement security, lower costs for basic needs, an end to gender-based discrimination in health care, a woman’s right to choose, and the freedom to work and live in their communities free from sexual violence and harassment. Women’s equality is a cause that everyone should support – a better deal for women means a better deal for all.”

“To truly achieve equality, we need more women at the table. This Women’s Equality Day, I’d like to encourage the women in this country to honor the legacy of the suffragettes who won the right to vote almost 100 years ago by running for office at every level.”