[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 45 (Monday, March 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E380]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 19, 2012

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great admiration that I rise 
today to honor Women's History Month and its 2012 theme: Women's 
Education and Empowerment. Recently, President Barack Obama once again 
called upon Americans to observe Women's History Month and to celebrate 
the many contributions and accomplishments of American women throughout 
our nation's history. During this month, we are also reminded of the 
many struggles women have faced in search of equality.
  The remarkable dedication and strength of influential women from not 
only the United States but from around the world has shaped today's 
current state of freedom and equality for every woman. They have played 
an irreplaceable role in changing our country for the better. In our 
nation's history, we have fine examples of courageous women who, in the 
face of tremendous opposition, have paved the way to success, freedom, 
and equality. We are reminded of women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a 
leading figure in the Women's Rights Movement, Susan B. Anthony, the 
great leader who helped introduce women's suffrage in the United 
States, and Sojourner Truth, the women's rights activist and 
abolitionist who would not be silenced because of her race or gender. 
These exceptional women paved the way for great leaders such as 
Jeanette Rankin, the peaceful Montana native who would became the first 
woman to serve in the United States Congress, and Sandra Day O'Connor, 
the first female Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
  These pioneering figures, as well as many other brave women 
throughout the United States and beyond, have brought to light the 
struggle for human rights. Throughout history in America, women have 
faced enormous obstacles with regard to educational opportunities. 
Although it was once an unimaginable statistic, in American colleges 
and universities today, women outnumber men in overall enrollment. 
Reflecting upon the 2012 Women's History Month theme, Women's Education 
and Empowerment, it is fitting that we pay tribute to all of the great 
leaders in the movement to ensure that the opportunity to learn is an 
opportunity for all. If these individuals had not stood up for what is 
right, many of the great advances brought about by women in the fields 
of medicine, business, law, and science, to name a few, would never 
have become realities. Today, thanks to the outstanding examples that 
have been set for them in the past, many proud women are empowered to 
continue their fight.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join in celebrating Women's History 
Month and to recognize the tremendous contributions women have made to 
improve the lives of generations to follow. In search of equality, 
these brave women have carried on to create an influential legacy 
unlike any other. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in remembering the countless women that have persevered and 
those who continue to do so today. They are worthy of the highest 
praise. We will continue to move forward in our nation and our world 
due to their dreams of, and struggles for, equality and freedom for 
women everywhere.

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