The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is pleased to recognize March as Women's History Month. "From fighting for the right to vote to fighting for economic parity, women have had to struggle to achieve equal opportunity and access to the fruits of democracy," said Commission Chairperson Mary Frances Berry. "But thanks to the dedication and courage of countless individuals, we have made extraordinary progress. This month, we make a particular effort to recognize that progress, and, in contemplating it, prepare ourselves for the struggles still ahead."
The Commission has a long history of concern about gender equality issues. Most recently, it published a study of equal educational opportunity for girls in advanced math and science. In the past, it has published reports focused specifically on women's concerns regarding a host of issues, ranging from health care to poverty and Federal contracting.
"Today, women continue to make great gains in fields as disparate as business, politics, art, law, and science," said Dr. Berry. "But as we honor the past and celebrate the present, we must be ever vigilant and ensure that women who are less fortunate benefit from the progress we make. The continuing prevalence of single women raising families in poverty and widespread wage discrimination reminds us that the job of fighting for full equality of opportunity remains very much a work in progress."
03/14/02