Women’s History Month

Throughout Alabama’s history, extraordinary women have fought tirelessly to right wrongs, help others and make Alabama and our nation as a whole, a better place. Helen Keller, Rosa Parks, Harper Lee, Coretta Scott King, Sister Chysostom Monahan, Mae Johnson and Lilly Ledbetter are a few of the legendary Alabamians who have been on the forefront to right the wrongs of inequality through their amazing skills and relentless dedication to the principle that we are all created equal. Alabama women have literally changed the world.

This month we celebrate the success of women who had the courage to shatter the glass ceilings. However, we must resolve, that this celebration is more than a history lesson. To the contrary, it is a call to action to push the boundaries of gender discrimination, in fact all discrimination, into oblivion. Today, too many of the opportunities that our mothers and grandmothers fought for are unrealized or in jeopardy. The sacrifices of those who challenged the forces of status quo deserve as much.

As governor, I will lead by example. I will work hard everyday to remove obstacles to full and equal participation in our economy and society that still exist for too many women. As mayor, I have created a diverse and talented executive team, and this will certainly carry forward with my cabinet. I will also carry the mantle of making daycare opportunities more affordable and abundant. From increasing workforce opportunities, to increasing our health care footprint to provide more for the needs of women, I will work tirelessly so the next generation of Alabama’s women will have a better future than the one they inherited.

When women succeed, Alabama succeeds. The strength of our economy, our state, and our society rests on whether we make it possible for every citizen to contribute to our growth and prosperity. As we honor the many women who have shaped the direction of our history, we must all renew our efforts to fulfill the promise of equality for all Alabamians.