Kathy HochulVerified account

Today, as we begin #WomensHistoryMonth, we are called upon to reflect on where we’ve come, but more importantly, where we are going. Like all major social movements, the Women’s Rights movement began right in our state in a place known as Seneca Falls in 1848. #NYWomenLead

The result of decades of activism was New York becoming the first major state to allow suffrage for women in 1917 - a milestone we celebrated with great fanfare in our state. #NYWomenLead

As chair of the NYS Women's Suffrage Commission, I challenge all of us to think about what our legacy will be when the 200th anniversary is commemorated. What will OUR contributions be to better the lives of women and girls, and move toward a more just society? #NYWomenLead

How do we take the torch that was passed to us and make it glow even brighter? If we take a moment to reflect on our New York Accomplishments just in the last year, we have much to be proud of. #NYWomenLead

We passed the Reproductive Health Act codifying Roe v. Wade into state law. Mandated comprehensive coverage for contraception. Strengthened laws against domestic violence and sexual harassment—including banning non-disclosure agreements. #NYWomenLead

We banned revenge porn. We strengthened protections for women in the workplace. We expanded the statute of limitations for rape. And we passed nation-leading #EqualPay laws to address the disparity in pay for women, particularly women of color. #NYWomenLead

But just as the early suffragettes never viewed their work as complete, neither do we. The torch must be kept lit. #NYWomenLead

We must build on our nation-leading Paid Family Leave program with #PaidSickLeave. Eliminate profits made on backs of women by ending the Pink Tax – because women’s products should not cost more than men’s. #NYWomenLead