On March 17, the House passed, 418-0, H. Res. 211, a resolution that “recognizes and honors the women and organizations in the United States that have fought for, and continue to promote, the teaching of women’s history.” Sponsored by Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), the resolution also states that “the theme of National Women’s History Month for 2009 is women taking the lead to save our planet.”
Rep. Woolsey stated, “Women were once considered second-class citizens whose rights were restricted, from voting to property ownership. But today, women serve in the Senate and the House of Representatives, they serve as members of the president’s cabinet, and as Speaker of the House of Representatives. It is important that the role that women have played in shaping this country is honored. However, it wasn’t until the late 1970s that women’s history was taught in our schools. It was almost completely absent in media coverage and cultural celebrations…Imagine what American history lessons would be today without teaching about Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad; or the work of Elizabeth Cady Stanton or Susan B. Anthony, and the many women who fought forwomen’s suffrage; or Dr. Sally K. Ride, who was the first woman in space, encouraging more girls to be interested in science…Today…I ask my colleagues to join me in reaffirming our commitment to the celebration of women’s history by supporting H. Res. 211, to ensure our grandchildren and great grandchildren learn more about women like Amelia Earhart and, eventually, the first woman president.”
Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI) stated, “As a vice chair of the Congressional Women’s Caucus, I proudly rise today in support of H. R. 211, honoring the contributions that women have made to history both at home and abroad. Women have never, ever had it easy, and it is vital that as we continue to move forward, we never forget the contributions of those who came before us…And today, with so much uncertainty in our economy, it is women in households across our country who are pooling together their resources to make sure their families can eat and that their children are on time for school…This resolution honors the contributions that women have made through history. But it does more than that. It reminds us of the strength and dignity that we possess in even the most uncertain times, and it urges us to seek out and stamp out injustice against women and their families wherever we see it.”
