[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 52 (Friday, March 19, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 17, 2021

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, Women's History Month is a time to appreciate 
the achievements of women and the many strides we've made to create a 
more equal society and an inclusive world for our children.
  Women's History Month began as a designated week in California in 
1978. It soon became a week nationwide, and a decade later it was 
expanded to include the entire month of March.
  Women have had to fight for voting rights, equal treatment, equal 
pay, and much more, often at great costs, but we have achieved so much. 
In the 1970s, women were not allowed to get credit or loans in their 
own name. Today, women make up the majority of the college-educated 
workforce.
  Because of the actions and sacrifices of those who came before us, 
the new Congress has 144 women serving in it, the highest number in 
American history and we have the first female Vice President in our 
history.
  While much has been accomplished, there's so much more to be done. We 
must reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, secure equal pay, 
tackle maternal mortality rates, stop the relentless attacks on 
reproductive health, and guarantee paid family leave.
  The pandemic has had a devastating and disproportionate impact on 
women. In September of 2020, more than a million Americans left the 
workforce, with 80 percent being women. Three months later, 140,000 
jobs of women were lost.
  To all the women who are struggling during this pandemic, I see them. 
I stand with them and I will fight for them always.

                          ____________________