INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Democratic Party, the organization that advocates for the future of Indiana and its families, today released the following statement by Myla Eldridge – Vice Chair of the Indiana Democratic Party – to commemorate March as Women’s History Month:
“Each year in March, our nation honors and recognizes the contributions and achievements American women have made in the history of this great nation. It’s no secret that the backbone of the United States comes from the strength of hardworking women who almost seamlessly and effortlessly raise our families while also accomplishing great success at the workplace and through public service.
Like so many other moments in Indiana History, Democrats have led the charge to deliver equal and equitable opportunities for Hoosier women. In elected office, Democrats were the first to have a woman serve as Lieutenant Governor with the appointment of Kathy Davis. In the nation’s court system, Judge Tanya Walton Pratt serves on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. Former U.S. Senator Birch Bayh championed the passage of Title IX, which opened the doors for women across the nation to attend a college and university and participate in collegiate athletics without fear of discrimination. And even today, the Indiana House Democratic Caucus made history as being the first political caucus in the Indiana General Assembly to have a female-majority elected body.
The state of women’s equality and equity, however, is at a crossroads because there’s so much that needs to be done for Hoosier women to achieve equal footing in this state. From eliminating taxes on essential hygiene products to delivering equal pay at the workplace, it’s long past time for women to achieve a form of equality that will create a better economic future for families across Indiana. But most importantly, the Indiana Democratic Party affirms its support for Hoosier women to have safe and legal access to reproductive health care. There is no reason for women to experience restricted health care access due to the culture wars of one political party – especially after the politicization of the COVID-19 pandemic and the political debate over life-saving vaccines.
Freedom in the United States rests in the U.S. Constitution, and time and again, women have been added to the conversation. So while it’s imperative that Hoosiers celebrate the achievements women have made in our state and nation’s history, let us also recommit ourselves toward the effort of delivering the freedoms and values of the United States.”
– Myla Eldridge, Vice Chair of the Indiana Democratic Party, Marion County Clerk
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