Women's History Month: Women Making History

In March we celebrate Women's History, an aptly named month for such an occasion, as women often march to the beat of their own drum, march to get the job done, march for their rights, and march to right wrongs.

I was raised in a family of seven sisters by a single mom.  In the beginning, there was only one bathroom, so I know a little bit about fighting for your rights, even if it was just to get five minutes of sink time.  I also know quite a bit about fairness and sharing.  I think that goes back to when we would visit my grandmother and she would open up the chicken-shaped candy dish and count out the butter mints equally among me and whichever of my sisters were there.  I still love butter mints, and I still have that instilled expectation for things being equal.  I've been told that makes me a bit of a Pollyanna, and I know that.  But from high expectations come big things.  Big --  as in Nancy Pelosi being elected the first woman Speaker of the House.

I saw this press release from Madam Speaker where she congratulates two other extraordinary women who have accomplished big things.  In honor of Women’s History Month, as the kids would say -- chicks totally rock.   

Pelosi Congratulates Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy on Election to National Soccer Hall of Fame

“Today, Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy and the National Soccer Hall of Fame have made history.  For the first time, the entire class selected to the Hall in the Player Category will be comprised solely of women.  I congratulate them for this trailblazing achievement.

“Their careers have been a wonderful success, including two FIFA World Championships and two Olympic Gold Medals.  Their accomplishments extend further than the playing field, however.  In addition to breaking down barriers in women’s sports, Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy are also known for their sense of family and community and are outstanding role models for young women and girls.  Mia Hamm founded the Mia Hamm Foundation to support bone marrow transplant patients and their families.  Julie Foudy is working to reduce underage drinking among girls with The Century Council, a national not-for-profit organization funded by America’s leading distillers to fight drunken driving and underage drinking.

“It has been my pleasure to work with Mia and Julie on preserving Title IX – the landmark civil rights law that for nearly 35 years has ensured equal opportunity for women and girls in athletics and education.  Title IX has empowered hundreds of thousands of young women on the field and in the classroom to be stronger and bolder through a simple message: your education is crucial and your future is limitless.”

Click here to read more from Speaker Pelosi on Women's History Month