[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 54 (Tuesday, March 23, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E294-E295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE WOMEN OF STEEL AS WE CELEBRATE WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. FRANK J. MRVAN

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 23, 2021

  Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration 
that I rise today in observance of Women's History Month and its 2021 
theme--Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to be Silenced. Each year, 
the National Women's History Project selects a unifying theme to 
recognize and promote Women's History Month. This year's theme 
recognizes the passage of the 19th Amendment and honors the stories of 
those women who have fought for equal rights in the workplace.
  Prior to the right to vote, women were instrumental in organizing 
workplaces, most famously during the Bread and Roses Strike of 1912. 
Tens of thousands of women fought for more than wages and working 
conditions; they fought to be respected in the workplace. For 
generations since, women have contributed to resolving conflicts and 
have persevered tirelessly to promote equality in the workplace. Women 
have insisted upon and continue to fight for respect, justice, and 
equality. Today, I would like to take a moment to honor Women of Steel, 
an advocacy-arm of the United Steelworkers, which evolved from the 
early women's caucuses that demanded women have their rightful place in 
the workplace. Throughout the years, women from diverse backgrounds 
have played an instrumental role in paving the way for women in the 
steel industry.
  Among these remarkable leaders was Ola Kennedy. Ola was a resident of 
Gary, Indiana, who passed away in 2009. Ola worked for 28 years at 
Hammond Valve. A devoted community leader, she was involved in many 
union and civic organizations and was one of the founding members of 
the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists in addition to being a member of 
the NAACP and holding various positions at Local Union 1273, District 
31 United Steelworkers, District 31 Women's Caucus, and Steelworkers 
Fightback Organization.
  We also celebrate Roberta Wood. In the 1970s, Roberta Wood went to 
work in the male-dominated mill in the union's former District 31 in 
Gary, Indiana. Along with Ola, Roberta co-founded the steelworker 
women's caucus in the Chicago/Gary district of the Steelworkers union. 
In 1976, she was elected the first female member of USWA Local 65's 
Executive Board and is currently a member of the Steelworkers 
Organization of Active Retirees where she continues to advocate for 
future generations.
  I would also like to take a moment to recognize those women who have 
recently celebrated more than five decades at ArcelorMittal, which is 
now Cleveland-Cliffs: Gail Richardson, a native of East Chicago and a 
safety advocate at Indiana Harbor; Judith Studer, a senior clerical 
technician in the maintenance, environmental and utilities department 
at Burns Harbor; and Maria Garcia, a materials management coordinator 
in the logistics department at Indiana Harbor.
  Today, the Women of Steel continue to advocate for more women in 
leadership and carry on the march to fight for full gender equality in 
the workplace. I commend these women and the many others who fought and 
continue to fight alongside them for women of every creed, class, and 
ethnic background. These fearless, strong, and vocal women are 
exemplary role models who reflect the 2021 theme, Valiant Women of the 
Vote: Refusing to be Silenced.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to join in celebrating Women's History 
Month and recognizing the role Women of Steel have played to organize, 
unionize, rally, and inspire workers to fight for justice. I ask that 
you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in celebrating the 
impact these extraordinary women have made in labor history and their 
continued contributions to the labor movement and our nation.

[[Page E295]]

  

                          ____________________