Q: What is Women’s History Month?
A: Women’s History Month is observed every March. For me, it’s an annual reminder that my mother owns her own piece of Iowa women’s history. In 1920, just days after ratification of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote, my mother became one of the first four women in Iowa to cast a ballot in a local election. As a woman who lived on a farm in rural Iowa, my mother’s life was one of hard work and perseverance. It’s these attributes that have led so many women to make their mark in history and to achieve tremendous success. Pioneering leadership by women in Iowa and nationwide has put women at the helm in boardrooms and on the bench of the Supreme Court of the United States. Women today hold seats of power and have made extraordinary contributions in the workplace and at home. In the United States Senate, I serve alongside 16 female senators, and 73 women serve in the House of Representatives where history was made when Representative Nancy Pelosi of California became the first female Speaker of the House. Women have also risen to the highest posts in areas outside of Congress. President Bush’s current cabinet includes four women including the second-ever Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Some of our nation’s leading businesses have selected women to serve as Chief Executive Officer. In 2007, 12 women ran Fortune 500 companies marking an increase from the previous year. These examples demonstrate the progress made since the fight for suffrage in 1920. Women’s History Month provides us all an opportunity to reflect on these achievements and look forward to bright future for the next generation of women.