[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 51 (Monday, March 31, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4554-S4555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

  Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of Women's 
History Month. This time has been appropriately designated to reflect 
upon the important contributions and heroic sacrifices that women have 
made to our Nation and to consider the challenges they continue to 
face. Throughout our history, women have been at the forefront of every 
important movement for a better and more just society, and they have 
been the foundation of our families and communities.
  In Maryland, we are proud to honor those women who have given so much 
to improve our lives. Their achievements illustrate their courage and 
tenacity in conquering what others perceive as overwhelming obstacles. 
They include Harriet Elizabeth Brown, civil rights leader, teacher and 
principal. In the 1930s in Calvert County, she fought to eliminate pay 
disparities between white and black teachers. Another noteworthy 
Marylander was Anna Ella Carroll who served as an unofficial adviser 
and strategist to President Abraham Lincoln in her efforts to preserve 
the Union during the Civil War. We are all indebted to Rose Kushner, 
teacher, medical writer, and psychologist, who worked tirelessly as an 
advocate for better screening and treatment of breast cancer. Their 
accomplishments and talent provide inspiration not only to the 
residents of Maryland, but to people all over the globe.
  My good friend and colleague from Maryland, Senator Barbara Mikulski, 
is a tremendous example of the commitment and dedication women give to 
public service. From her background as a social worker to her election 
to the U.S. Senate, Senator Mikulski, who has served longer than any 
other woman currently in the Senate, has always worked to ensure those 
in need receive the critical support services necessary for them to 
live independently and with dignity. She appropriately played a key 
role in establishing this month when in 1981, cosponsoring a resolution 
establishing National Women's History Week, a predecessor to Women's 
History Month. Today, I wish to honor her dedication and service to the 
people of Maryland and this Nation.
  This Women's History Month is a fitting time to honor the women of 
the armed services and recognize the sacrifice they make for our 
country, especially in light of the unprecedented role women are 
playing in our military engagement in Iraq. Approximately 15 percent of 
all active duty personnel are women. From the American Revolution and 
the Civil War through modern day armed conflict, American women have 
made sacrifices along side their husbands, sons, brothers and fathers 
to preserve the freedom upon which this Nation was founded. At this 
time, we know that Army Specialist Shoshawna Johnson is being held as a 
POW in Iraq, and Private First Class Jessica Lynch is missing in 
action. We send our hopes and prayers for the safe return of these 
brave young women, and all of those serving our country, and want their 
families to know that our thoughts are with them during this very 
difficult time.
  Women have made great strides in overcoming historic adversity and 
bias but they still face many obstacles. Unequal pay, poverty, 
inadequate access to healthcare and violent crime are among the 
challenges that continue to disproportionately affect women. While the 
most recent Census Bureau figures show that the percentage of women 
holding managerial jobs grew from one-third to a high of 46 percent 
since 1983, this figure has not improved since 2001. In addition, women 
continue to earn less than their male colleagues, earning only 77.5 
percent of every dollar earned by men. Despite these obstacles, women 
push on. In recent years, the poverty rate for single women has 
declined and more women hold advanced degrees than ever before. Recent 
figures show that women received approximately 45 percent of law and 42 
percent of medical degrees awarded in this country. This is a dramatic 
improvement from a few decades ago and should continue as more and more 
young women recognize their opportunities are limitless.

[[Page S4555]]

  Indeed women continue to make great progress. As we highlight their 
accomplishments in history this month, I believe it is also important 
to educate present and future generations about gender discrimination 
so that we do not repeat past mistakes. During my service in Congress, 
I have strongly supported efforts to address women's issues and 
eradicate gender discrimination and inequality. These include 
cosponsoring the Paycheck Fairness Act, the Equity in Prescription 
Insurance and Contraceptive Coverage Act, and continually supporting an 
Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution. I am proud of these efforts 
and I will continue my commitment to bring fuller equality to all 
women. I am confident that the women of America will continue to excel 
while continuing their role as advocates for those values and ideals 
which are at the heart of a decent, caring and fair society.

                          ____________________