Celebrating International Women's Day!

Happy International Women’s Day!

Today and for the rest of Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the relentless work and powerful leadership of women who paved the way for progress in Texas. 

I couldn’t be more humbled by the opportunity to continue the work of those who have come before me. Every day I am in awe of the power and strength that Texas women are bringing to our fight for equity, and every day I learn more from the women around me. 

Women across our state and our country have spent centuries battling injustice. From leaders like Barbara Jordan to Ann Richards to Emma Tenayuca, Texas women have fought tooth and nail to claim their seat at the table. And each day, we continue the fight for progress.

But unfortunately, the fight is far from over. Texas is the epicenter of the battle for women’s rights. We’ve suffered for three decades from so-called leadership by Texas Republicans, and what do we have to show for it?

Texas Republicans have slashed abortion access and denied women the right to gender-affirming care. They’ve demanded our children are taught lies in the classroom, and sat idly by while our foster care system crumbles. They’ve allowed millions of Texas women to go uninsured during a global pandemic -- more residents than any other state. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. 

We can’t let up in our fight for progress. This work is too important, and far too many people are counting on us to succeed. We have a long and winding road ahead in the battle for equality, and I’m honored to be in this movement with you. Let’s use this Women’s History Month to celebrate and uplift the voices of women who are leading the charge to push our state forward. 

As the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, “women belong in all places where decisions are being made.” Today, let’s honor the women leaders whose shoulders we stand on by carrying the fight for justice forward.