Throughout Women's History Month, our administration will honor the vital contributions of women to our nation and show women's history is American history. For me, it starts with Jill, the first First Lady to work full time while she's in office. And Kamala, our Vice President who shattered a barrier that stood for more than two centuries. And a record number of women serving in my Cabinet, senior level positions in our administration. But, it's also all those women we think about each day who are leading us through this pandemic. Vaccine researchers, public health officials, essential workers. So many of whom are women and women of color in hospitals, nursing homes, on farms, in grocery stores, in schools and shelters. They've risked their own lives and their own health to keep our country going. But, we must also reflect on the unique burdens women are continuing to bear today. The health care system has historically underserved women. Gender and racial disparities in pay continue to fester. A disproportionate share of caregiving continues to fall on the shoulders of women and girls. Millions of women have left the workforce this past year, setting women's labor participation in the workforce at it's lowest level in 30 years, preventing them and the country from reaching our full potential. Hunger, homelessness, violence against women is on the rise. These trends are even more dire among women of color. This is unprecedented in America. This is unacceptable to me. For our administration, honoring women means investing in them each and every day. With America's Rescue Plan to continue and fight this pandemic, deliver immediate economic relief to millions of women and their families, with a plan to build back better with an economy that's stronger, more inclusive, creating good jobs for women. And, it's established in the White House gender policy counsel I'm establishing, to prioritize gender equality across every aspect of the government which will include our efforts to end the scourge of violence against women.That's why I wrote the Violence Against Women Act. But, we've got to end it in all forms. This administration will honor the visionary women, known and unknown, who have helped build this country. And, we'll be guided by the belief our nation is at it's best when there are endless possibilities for all women and girls. I've told my girls and my grand, my daughters and my granddaughters not a single thing, not a single thing that a man can do that a woman can't do equally as well. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. And, I'll not be satisfied until that's recognized. So, happy Women's History Month. We must continue to work together.
