DNC Chairman Howard Dean and DNC Women's Caucus Chair Mame Reiley today issued the following statement marking the 36th anniversary of the enactment of Title IX, which outlaws sex discrimination in educational programs. After the passage of Title IX in 1972, today more than 2.7 million girls participate in athletics in high school according to the U.S. Dept. of Education.
Last night, ABC News reported that John McCain's campaign has canceled a fundraiser Senator McCain was scheduled to attend at the home of a controversial Texas Republican on Monday afternoon. According to the report, McCain's campaign canceled the event after it was presented with statements from former Republican gubernatorial candidate Clayton Williams, who made inappropriate and insensitive jokes comparing rape to the weather during his failed 1990 campaign.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and DNC Women's Caucus Chair Mame Reiley issued the following joint statement on the 45th Anniversary of the signing of the Equal Pay Act:"This week we celebrate the signing of the Equal Pay Act...
The Women's Leadership Forum of the Democratic National Committee hosts the 15th annual National Issues Conference in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, September 18 and Friday, September 19. Save the date!
There are many pieces of legislation that need attention by the public in order to move forward. They are listed below. Please call your Senators and Representatives to let them know about your support for these important bills.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement in commemoration of Equal Pay Day today.
Women have been making great strides in the medical realm over the past few years, yet it is taking women a long time to break into all specialities within the medical professional on par with men. The first woman to...
March 1st begins Women's History Month and that is particularly important for Democrats since we have a long, proud history of women's accomplishments to celebrate and honor. Simply going back to 1920, after battling for 72 years, the 19th Amendment...
The Republican National Committee is testing how far it can go in attacks against a potential woman or African American opponent.
While Senator John McCain pledged on Wednesday to treat his opponents "with respect" and said that as the nominee he would "make sure that everyone within my party knows that this has got to be a respectful debate," the Republican National Committee is testing how far it can go in attacks against a potential woman or African American opponent. [Los Angeles Times, 2/28/08; Politico, 2/24/08]
Beginning with the first primary Caucus in Iowa, to the elections on Super Tuesday, women have demonstrated that they are the heart and soul of the Democratic Party and that they will take our Party to the White House. Exit...
Today, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement on the 35th anniversary of Roe. v. Wade.
If there ever was an example of why young women needed to vote, it could be found in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, passed prior to the Democrats taking back the majority in Congress.
As the gap in wages and benefits grows wider between lower, middle and upper income ranges, minimum wage workers are particularly threatened by the prospect of falling into severe poverty...
On October 18th and 19th, the Women's Leadership Forum held its 14th Annual Issues Conference in Washington D.C., and it was a huge success. Over 300 participants attended the conference and were energized by the speakers throughout the two day event.
Our society has come a long way in how it thinks about domestic violence. At this point in our nation's history, a majority of adults think that domestic violence is a serious social problem facing our nation.
On September 25, 2007, at 10am in the Dirksen Senate Building room G-50, the Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing to discuss the Community Choice Act of 2007, also known as S.799.
This past weekend, the West Virginia Federation of Democratic Women held its 43rd Annual Meeting in Huntington, West Virginia, and there was a lot of discussion about why it is so important, particularly for women, to elect a Democrat to be the next President of the United States. While the answers may seem obvious, the need for a change is profound.
This Sunday, Americans will celebrate Women's Equality Day to commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution in 1920. The culmination of a 70-year struggle for women suffragists, the 19th Amendment guaranteed women the right to vote.
Starting tomorrow, the Democratic National Committee will host the first joint American Majority Partnership Summit August 23-25 at the Paris/Bally's Hotels in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The loss of constitutional freedoms by the Bush Administration and Supreme Court continues to activate people all around the country to speak out against the Robert's Court and more specifically its trampling on each person's right to privacy. In particular,...
At the 2007 National NOW Conference held in Detroit earlier this month, a Resolution was passed to form an "ad hoc" committee to study the health issues of women in the military. This committee plans to work with other organizations to find solutions to...
Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) introduced the Fair Pay Restoration Act today to undo the damage done by the Supreme Court's recent ruling in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire.
According to a newly released report by Women's Voices Women Vote, an organization created to actively involve women living on their own in politics and government affairs, it is these very women who will be the driving force creating major political change in 2008.
The 14th annual Women's Leadership Forum National Issues Conference will take place October 18-19 at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC.
A good deal of data is being collected about younger and middle aged women living on their own. As such, the matter of aging should be of particular concern to women, especially since older or "wise" women are more likely to be living on their own compared to older men.
The Lilly Ledbetter fair pay act would allow pay discrimination within 180 days of a discriminatory paycheck.
Break out the tin foil hats--apparently the women of Congress have a "conspiracy."
Governor Dean, along with the DNC Caucus Chairs Bel Leong-Hong, Ramona Martinez, Mame Reiley, Virgie M. Rollins and Rick Stafford, will be hosting the DNC American Majority Partnership Summit on August 23-25, 2007, at the Paris-Bally Hotels in Las Vegas, NV.
President Bush's threatened veto of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007 (S.5), is yet another example of his refusal to accept the will of a majority of the American people and of the Congress on a matter of grave importance.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and DNC Women’s Caucus Chair Mame Reiley issued the following statement following the Supreme Court’s decision to limit workers’ ability to hold employers accountable:
The Supreme Court decision today in the case of Ledbetter vs. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company was a severe blow to equal pay and workers' rights advocates. The decision limits the amount of time that a worker can sue for damages to 180 days--even though it sometimes takes years for evidence of pay discrimination to surface.
The Bush Administration has done everything in its power to block the distribution of emergency birth control to women. From delaying over-the-counter sales of the emergency contraception pill known as "Plan B," to overruling the decision [...]
Anna Jarvis was instrumental in making Mother's Day a national holiday, which began in the United States as a call for peace, and as influential people joined the campaign, it quickly caught on.
Last month, when the Supreme Court ruled in the case of "Gonzalez v. Carhart" to limit the options that women and their doctors may consider when choosing to abort a pregnancy, it became abundantly clear that women did not enjoy the same equal protection...
April 24th marks Equal Pay Day 2007, which symbolizes the day in the year when women’s wages finally catch up to men’s wages of 2006. Equal Pay Day demonstrates that women must work an additional four months to take home the same income as their male counterparts do in a year.
Though women are breaking through all kinds of ceilings, they still encounter wage disparities, and for women of color the inequities are even more profound.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling upholding the federal abortion ban:
For all of the talk by the Bush Administration claiming to want a Supreme Court composed of justices who will not be activists, today's 5 to 4 decision upholding the federal abortion ban, or so-called "Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act," demonstrated...
On Thursday, April 26 at 9:00 AM, on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, the "Komen Community Challenge" will kick off.
The Bush Administration has consistently failed to provide many Americans with the quality of health care required for the maintenance of good physical and emotional well-being, and women are especially at risk of suffering the consequences of [...]
If the Bush Administration wants to seriously address the problems that result from unwanted pregnancies particularly amongst teenagers, then it must redirect the millions of dollars already spent on ineffective single issue programs such as the "abstinence only"...
The state with the most restrictive abortion laws in the country and only one abortion clinic surviving just witnessed its Governor sign into law legislation intended to take the ultimate step by criminalizing almost all abortions in the event ...
The first female Chief of the Cherokee Nation, or any major Native American tribe, Wilma Mankiller opened doors for young Cherokee girls who now believe that they, too, can serve in leadership positions in a male-dominated environment.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean issued the following statement in response to the Edwards family announcement
The panel discussion with distinguished guests Dr. Heidi Hartmann, Donna Payne, Sue Swenson, and Olga Vives was an enormous success. The event marked a celebration of Women's History and celebrated the victories for women and for America.
The Women’s Leadership Forum of the Democratic National Committee cordially invites you to attend a panel discussion in celebration of
Women’s History Month.
Bella Abzug advocated for women's equality as a leader of the women's movement, serving in the House of Representatives for three terms and founding the non-profit grassroots political action organization Women USA.
During this month when we honor heroines of past generations, we must also make a commitment to improve the lives of women living now and in future generations.
North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Jerry Meek made the following statement for Sen. Jeanne Lucas, the first African American woman to serve in the NC state Senate.
Shirley Chisholm made history by becoming the first African American woman elected to the U.S. Congress, representing New York's 12th District for seven terms.
With March being Women's History Month, here is some interesting historical information about women in politics.
On International Women's Day is celebrated across the globe with a special emphasis on ending violence against women.
Up until 1992 there were only 2 of 100 Members of the Senate who were female. Today, there are 16 women proudly serving in the Senate (11 of whom are Democrats), and they are inspiring women everyday and leading the way for the many women who will follow.
Making history in the business world, Linda G. Alvarado made her mark by realizing her dream of owning her own construction company. Ms. Alvarado serves as an inspiration for women to disregard stereotypes and focus upon their personal goals and desires.
Renowned physicist Chien-Shiung Wu led an impressive life, working for the Manhattan Project and overturning one of the basic assumptions in physics. Coming to America from China in 1936, Wu received her Ph. D from the University of California, Berkeley.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and DNC Vice Chairs Lottie Shackelford, Susan Turnbull, Linda Chavez Thompson, DNC Secretary Alice Germond and DNC Women's Caucus Chair Mame Reiley issued the following statement celebrating Women's History Month:
The life of Helen Keller both inspires us to overcome the hurdles in our own lives and help others to do the same. The fearless story of Helen Keller is well-known, depicted in documentaries, films, plays, and on television.
The House of Representatives passed a resolution in honor of the late Governor of Texas, Mrs. Ann Richards. The bill was introduced by Rep. Solomon Ortiz to recognize Governor Richards "extraordinary contributions to Texas and American public life."
The Bush Administration has stealthily cut the budget for women's health at the FDA for the rest of the entire year. Last year, the FDA approved emergency contraception over-the-counter, and now insiders have revealed the Administration's plan to close the Office of Women's Health at the FDA for good -- as payback.
According to an article in today's Washington Post, the Bush Administration continues to play politics with the health of America's women by allowing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to cut $1.2 million from the FDA's Office of Women's Health.
The facts make it abundantly clear that the Employee Free Choice Act is good for women and should be passed by Congress. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has found that caucasian women belonging...
The following resolution was passed by the Democratic National Committee at its meeting on February 3, 2007. Submitted by: Susan Turnbull, DNC Vice Chair/Maryland Linda Chavez-Thompson, DNC Vice Chair/Texas Hon. Mike Honda, DNC Vice Chair/California Lottie Shackelford, Arkansas And the...
The following resolution was passed by the Democratic National Committee at its meeting on February 3, 2007. Submitted by: Linda Chavez-Thompson, DNC Vice Chair/DC Susan Turnbull, DNC Vice Chair/Maryland Lottie Shackelford, DNC Vice Chair/Arkansas Hon. Mike Honda, DNC Vice Chair/California...
The following resolution was adopted by the DNC Resolutions Committee at its meeting on February 1, 2007, in conjunction with the meetings of the Democratic National Committee, February 1-3, 2007. Submitted by: Governor Howard Dean, DNC Chair/Vermont Terry Lierman, Chair,...
The following resolution was adopted by the DNC Resolutions Committee at its meeting on February 1, 2007, in conjunction with the meetings of the Democratic National Committee, February 1-3, 2007. Submitted by: Rosalind Wyman, California Art Torres, Chair, California Alexandra...
DNC Member Jenny Greenleaf checks-in from the Women's Caucus: Mame Reiley, Chair, opened the meeting and pointed out a few notable women attending: Ellen Malcolm, EMILY's list and Kate Michelman, former NARAL president, were the names I caught. We heard...
Those of us who appreciate strong feminists with feisty tongues have had a rough few months. Yesterday, the world said goodbye to Molly Ivins, famed newspaper columnist and author, who passed away at the age of 62 at home surrounded by friends and family.
Since taking over the gavel, Speaker Pelosi has ushered in a great deal of change -- starting with new ethics rules in the House, and ending with legislation aimed at energy independence. Pelosi is not just the most powerful woman in American history, she is also now a proven leader who gets things done.
It is a disgrace that our country has the highest number of children living in poverty than in any other industrialized nation, and it is simply unconscionable that Senate Republicans are obstructing the passage of the "Fair Minimum Wage Act...
Governor Dean: "Today marks the 34th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade. Democrats across the country stand with millions of Americans in recognizing and reaffirming the central message of this decision: that women have the right...
January 22, 2007, marks the 34th anniversary of the historic Supreme Court decision that confirmed the fundamental right of a woman to have and exercise control over her own reproductive health. Roe v. Wade is of course that landmark decision,...
On Sunday, January 28th, Donna Brazile will be presenting the Keynote Address at the 27th Annual Women's Legislative Briefing, hosted by the Montgomery County Commission For Women. Donna Brazile is a renowned Democratic political strategist as well as the first...
More women are serving in the United States Senate than ever before. Tomorrow and Thursday, Good Morning America will interview all 16 women. The feature will air in two parts - Part 1 (focused on current news) will air Wednesday...
Hailing from California's 10th Congressional District, located in the East Bay region of Northern California, Representative Ellen Tauscher has become the third female Chair of the House Armed Services subcommittee in history.
While the trend appeared to be heading in this direction for quite some time now, according to a piece in today's New York Times, more American women are either living alone or living with someone who is not their spouse...
Today's Washington Post had a very important article about the Washington D.C. region's efforts to enact legislation requiring HPV (human papillomavirus) immunization for girls ages 11 or 12, in order to protect them from the disease, which is one of...
Tackling a top priority, the House pushed an increase in the federal minimum wage toward passage Wednesday, finally giving hard-working Americans the raise they deserve. "For 10 years the lowest-paid Americans have been frozen out. They have been working at a federal poverty wage, not a federal minimum wage," said Democratic Rep. George Miller (CA), who authored the legislation.
Another benefit of our new majorities? Getting to say a loud "NO!" to extreme right-wing conservative nominees, the kind that the administration has happily foisted upon the American people for the past 6 years.
Armed with your wishes of congratulations, and just minutes after Speaker Pelosi finished her historic remarks, DNC staffers gathered together outside the building and walked up the Hill to the Capitol. DNC Staff ready to deliver your remarks! As we...
Speaker-elect Pelosi is joined on stage by female Members of Congress. Madeline, age 8, Speaker-elect Pelosi's eldest granddaughter, offers brief remarks. We just returned from the Women's Tea to honor Speaker-Elect Nancy Pelosi. What a wonderful opportunity to celebrate...
On January 4, 2007, Rep. Nancy Pelosi will be sworn in as the first female Speaker of the House, making history as the Democratic Party returns to the majority in Congress.
According to the AP, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius will become chair of the Democratic Governors Association next year, the first woman to hold that post.
Today the Supreme Court will hear arguments for two cases that involve racial integration. The WaPost has more: More than 50 years after the Supreme Court decided in Brown v. Board of Education that separate schools are inherently unequal, the...
Many Democratic women were elected into the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, state legislatures and statewide offices. Women also demonstrated their clout with respect to ballot initiatives to raise the minimum wage and also to protect a woman’s right to choose.
As the Party that now controls both the US House and the US Senate, Democrats are especially proud that this tremendous wave of change came about thanks to our great women candidates and voters around the country.
In a history-making step for our country, now-Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA) is speaker-elect for the 110th Congress, the first woman to hold the post in our country's history.
On the heels of Democratic change in both the House and Senate DNC Chairman Howard Dean and Vice Chairs Lottie Shackelford, Susan Turnbull and Linda Chavez Thompson issued the following statement on the role that women played in bringing about change.
Future Senators Claire McCaskill (Missouri) and Amy Klobuchar (Minnesota) both played key roles in last night's election drama. In January, there will be 11 female Democratic senators.
The Democratic Party's "Get Out the Vote" drive to push voters to the polls has begun. Election Day is Tuesday, November 7. Be a part of the new direction. Volunteer with your state Democratic Party and help get Democrats out to vote.
With more than 6,000 state legislative seats on the ballot next week, Democrats could gain control of a majority of state capitols for the first time in a decade. This would increase the number of women in leadership positions, and influence the outcomes on issues such as the minimum wage and stem cell research.
All hands are on deck in every community - in every state. We are rebuilding our Party and making our voices heard! America's women need and deserve a new direction in our country.
Republicans keep telling us things are going well in America, but most Americans know the country is headed in the wrong direction on everything from Iraq to the economy to health care and education. Time and again President Bush and...
Down in Tennessee, Girls' Night Out has taken on new meaning. Women for Ford, a group organized under the Harold Ford Jr. for Senate campaign, have designated today, October 24th "Girls' Night Out" -- but with new meaning.
The Week In Review is a weekly newsletter sent out by the Democratic Party's Women's Vote Center. This week's feature article is on Democrats fielding strong women candidates while the GOP is losing women voters.
Democrats are proud to field an extraordinary team of strong women candidates who are poised to give voters a real choice between Republicans' failed agenda on education, health care, the economy and securing our families.
The Week In Review is a weekly newsletter sent out by the Democratic Party's Women's Vote Center. In this issue: the GOP is putting party over predators, TAKE SIX: getting women to the polls, Democratic women candidates, the DNC National Voter Protection Hotline, and more.
The Coeur d'Alene Tribe is working alongside the American Association of University Women to rename a number of locations in Idaho whose names demean women.
At the DNC we believe that personal interactions are more important than yard signs, stickers or slick TV ads. This story from Yorkville, Illinois is a classic example of how an everyday conversation can make a difference.
This month is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According to the Department of Health and Human Services: The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence created Domestic Violence Awareness Day in October 1981. The goal was to bring together advocates working to...
