International Women's Day highlights important role women hold in moving country forward
During the past century women have overcome legal, societal, and cultural challenges on the march to equality while maintaining a vigilant watch to affect more progress and change.
On March 8, the world paused to recognize the achievements of women throughout the past 100 years and consider the opportunities for the advancement of women in the next 100 years on International Women’s Day. This year’s theme for the celebration, The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum, is particularly poignant as more women, children and men, increasingly are becoming concerned about climate change and momentum for taking action is growing.
Rebekah Warren
National Women’s Day, the precursor to International Women’s Day, was first observed in America in 1909 during a time of tremendous industrial and political growth, fueled by innovation, rapid expansion, and a growing global economy. Since then, in times of war and peace, growth and recession, women have played an important role in leading our country forward.
Susan B. Anthony was a pioneer in the Women’s Suffrage Movement and fought for equal rights for women during the 19th century. During World War II, it was women who kept the nation’s engine running, working in factories to produce the goods and materials needed to win the war being waged overseas. In recent years, women have led the fight for equality leading to improved economic opportunities for all.
In the United States, 2013 set a high water mark for women in positions of national leadership - with the most women elected to Congress ever, including 20 women Senators and 82 women Representatives. They are poised to lead the nation and should capitalize on the momentum of support to address climate change.
According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association, 2012 was the hottest year on record and delivered some of the most extreme weather events that we’ve ever seen.
Devastating droughts, deadly heat waves and violent super storms like Hurricane Sandy impacted nearly every county in the 48 contiguous states. These very real impacts have driven up concern for our future. A poll conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council and Environment America, following the president’s State of the Union address, shows that 65 percent of Americans believe climate change is a serious problem and a strong majority (60 percent) support President Barack Obama using executive authority to limit the dangerous industrial carbon pollution that is causing climate change.
The Environmental Protection Agency is on the front lines of public health and environmental protection. President Obama's nominee to lead the EPA, Gina McCarthy, is a pragmatic and dedicated professional set on protecting public health, our children and families from the dangers of soot, smog, mercury and carbon pollution. These public health protections will save lives, prevent illness, and drive innovation in new cleaner energy technology.
The EPA is the cop on the beat, and it needs a strong leader to keep it focused on tackling these important public health challenges. Having another strong woman at the helm of the EPA, building on the legacy of strong women who have led the agency in the past, including former Administrators Lisa Jackson, Christie Whitman and Carol Browner, is a great way to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Rebekah Warren is a senator from the 18th District.
Comments
BernieP
Tue, Mar 12, 2013 : 12:33 p.m.
Harumpf! Harumpf !!! Our State Senator MUST call for mandated staffing levels of engineering interns and fresh-outs from Universities located in selectively located counties. Harumpf ! Harumpf !!!
Tru2Blu76
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 1:16 a.m.
To quote another woman in a GIECO commercial, These are troubling times in the Kingdom. ;-) (with apologies to Flo and the gecko )
Jay Thomas
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 11:26 p.m.
Now that women are 3/5 of all college graduates, I'm sure they will be in favor of affirmative action to admit more men. Equality is the goal, right? Everything has to be equal, proportional....
Jay Thomas
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 2:02 a.m.
Yes, sh1, it can be tough working in the white house or under Nancy Pelosi (as both were found to do that). I suppose we could call her Nancy Paylousy.
sh1
Mon, Mar 11, 2013 : 1:54 a.m.
Three-fifths of all college graduates and still make less than 70% of what men make.
Alan Goldsmith
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 11:16 p.m.
Does Ms. Warren also approve of the practices of another sponsor, the International Finance Corporation? Maybe she can clarify this issue for us as well--another 'sponsor' of International Women's Day.
Alan Goldsmith
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 11:06 p.m.
Click on the link and one of the 'sponsors' of International Women's Day is BP. Any comments or thoughts on this Ms. Warren? I, for one, think that's pretty repulsive. Events such as this need thuggish corporate sponsors? Beautiful.
TheDiagSquirrel
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 8:13 p.m.
Taken from an Annarbor.com article in 2011: "...Chairman Conan Smith , D- Ann Arbor, who hasn't reimbursed the county for $591 in per diem and mileage payments he improperly collected between 2005 and 2010." Charity belongs at home, especially in this instance.
Alan Goldsmith
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 11:08 p.m.
Smith is a buddy of Wayne County's Bob Ficano. Nothing further needs to be said.
Basic Bob
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 9:08 p.m.
Two peas in a pod.
Ken
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 7:34 p.m.
It is indeed unfortunate that AnnArbor.com appears to be the official mouthpiece and public relations agency for Sen. Rebekah Warren, as evidenced by the latest - Warrens's column on International Women's Day, that was "celebrated" two days ago. Somehow, Sen. Warren mixes together in one pot the loony left objectives of the EPA and other questionable environmentalists, with the agenda of the women's movement. It seems that there is very tilted coverage by AnnArbor.com almost daily of the leftist activities of Sen. Warren, more so than others on the web site. There's more to news than just Sen. Warren. She does not deserve this extensive coverage.
Kai Petainen
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 9:29 p.m.
I'd disagree with that. I think AnnArbor.com shows a lot of love towards Snyder/SPARK/MEDC and company as well....
ManA2
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 5:15 p.m.
To clarify the history of International Women's Day: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Women's_Day
Top Cat
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 1:34 p.m.
When is International Men's Day?
Middle America
Tue, Mar 12, 2013 : 12:14 p.m.
It is November 19. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Men's_Day I'm sure that won't stop you from whining, though.
Superior Twp voter
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 5:16 p.m.
Just what I was going to say, T.C. But obviously, Rebekah Warren wouldn't know. And more global warming crap...... sheesh what a bunch of hooey. It's all about control.
Usual Suspect
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 4:33 p.m.
Super Bowl Sunday!
sh1
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 2:41 p.m.
It's 364 days a year.
walker101
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 12:07 p.m.
Whatever happened to Margaret Sanger, or is that for Black history month?
Tom Todd
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 8:03 a.m.
women being in charge is great although I'm in the minority on this
Usual Suspect
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 4:33 p.m.
Woo hoo! President Pantsuit!
Brad
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 2:18 p.m.
Hillary 2016 will answer that question.
Eat Local A2
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 5:49 a.m.
Susan B. Anthony was not particularly interested in conforming to the social platitudes of her day. She aggressively pursued a level of education unusual for women during the late 19th century. Consistent with her anti-establishment tendencies, she was a Republican. Hardly an appropriate touchstone within an incoherent jumble of historical references and shallow emotional appeals targeted to identity politics rather than to thoughtful citizens exercising logic. Insulting the electorate's intelligence speaks volumes, Senator Warren--about you.
leaguebus
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 3:35 p.m.
I am not sure you can insult an electorate that is responsible for the current regime in Lansing.
write winger
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 4:28 a.m.
Nothing new from Ms. Warren-She can be counted on to tow the party line of the left wing without exception. This belongs on her website, not a guest column. Considering Congress' approval ratings maybe she shouldn't be bragging about the number of womyn in congress.
Usual Suspect
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 4:35 p.m.
Thanks, dotdash, but we celebrate women every day. We love them. Women are way cool.
dotdash
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 5:45 a.m.
Sorry, meant Kay Bailey Hutchinson....
dotdash
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 4:47 a.m.
I'm glad to see this article here. I wish there were more, from all points on the political spectrum. Since when did women's issues become a concern only of the Democratic Party? Come on, Republicans, you are the party of Ann Richards, of Nikki Naley, of (allowing for some latitude) Margaret Thatcher! Celebrate your strong women!
Tim Hornton
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 3:54 a.m.
Kudos to the women who kept the "engine" running in WW2. I give a great thanks to the hundreds of thousands of Men who actually died and were wounded for childen and Women in America and stopped pure evil. How dare you miss Warren even mention in the PR article AAnews gave you to mention WW2 and sacrifice and then talk about the joke of climate change. Why don't you sacrifice and join the military instead of being some pampered princess congess women who probably hasn't worked a real manual labor job in her life. Or better yet raise three kids as a single mom and work three jobs just to support them. I give thanks to awesome women like that and not the welfare queens you libs support for doing nothing and collecting lots of welfare, SSI, and getting section 8 housing all paid for by hard working tax paying women. Your article is a slap in the face to women in my opinion.
dotdash
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 4:43 a.m.
This article is not a slap in the face of women. It is a shout-out to women. And I, for one, am grateful that someone paid attention to international women's day. Praising women for the work they did does not deprive men of recognition for what they did. It's not a zero-sum game, Tim Horton. We can all contribute for the betterment of humanity.
Greggy_D
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 3:40 a.m.
If that picture doesn't say "pretentious", I do not know what does.
Usual Suspect
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 4:32 p.m.
I'm sorry, dotdash... what position do you hold at AnnArbor.com?
dotdash
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 4:36 a.m.
Oh no, are we going there again? Please, guys, address the issues. If you have nothing to add except your aesthetic critique, please refrain from commenting.
Usual Suspect
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 3:46 a.m.
Aye, she drastically needs a new photo. This one has attitude written all over it, and not in a good way. I suggest staying away from the "professional" portrait photographers. They seem to be more interested in unique positioning and tilting of the head and upper body then they are of actually taking a good picture.
Kai Petainen
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 3:22 a.m.
The EPA seems to ignore Ann Arbor. Just look at how they turn a blind eye to the Dioxane 1,4 stuff in this city and ignore it.
Jay Thomas
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 11:39 p.m.
Everyone knows Treetown is green, Kai. GREEN!! [Ssshhhh now]
Basic Bob
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 2:31 a.m.
"Hockey stick" is a good way to describe the flow of this opinion piece.
Macabre Sunset
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 1:01 a.m.
Now that the anti-capitalism wing of the Democratic party is in on this carbon tax boondoggle, we'll never get an honest assessment of climate change. You don't get grant money if you don't promise the government a hockey stick to wave about. Fortunately, the Democrats are predicting a Mayan-style end of the world in just a decade or so, so they'll be exposed as fools soon enough. Notice very little was said about extreme weather events after Al Gore promised us thousands of hurricanes a year post-Katrina. We had several years of below-average damage. Then came Sandy, and they're falling all over themselves again with the severe weather promises. Sandy wasn't even that severe - it was just big and it did a lot of property damage close to the ocean in very populated areas. The northeast was way, way overdue for a hurricane on that track. Really, Warren and her friends are rather transparent when it comes to their cult-like worship of Al Gore and his fanaticism.
Jay Thomas
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 11:37 p.m.
Al Gore promised himself a half billion dollar payday if he could have gotten that climate change emissions credit scam going (by being part of the exchange where they would have been traded). That stupid movie was just propaganda for the purpose of getting rich and the media ate it up and didn't investigate a thing!
Macabre Sunset
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 7:42 a.m.
I doubt it. If you saw Gore's movie, that's what he was promising, even by now. It hasn't happened.
Ivor Ivorsen
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 3:51 a.m.
"Al Gore promised us thousands of hurricanes a year post-Katrina." Might statements like this be what Governor Jindal was getting at?
Macabre Sunset
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 2:31 a.m.
Who said the Republicans don't have their idiotic moments. Major party participation almost demands it - on both sides.
Ivor Ivorsen
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 1:34 a.m.
"We've also had enough of this dumbed-down conservatism. We need to stop being simplistic, we need to trust the intelligence of the American people and we need to stop insulting the intelligence of the voters... [Republicans should] ...stop being the stupid party" Bobby Jindal, (R) Governor of Louisiana
Dog Guy
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 12:51 a.m.
Rebekah Warren is a most appropriate cheerleader for International Women's Day which was started in 1909 by the Socialist Party of America to honor working women (whose children could then be raised properly by government).
Jay Thomas
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 11:33 p.m.
He's saying that she is a socialist. Warren undoubtedly supports headstart and all the preschool programs they can dream up (which are just another way for the government to take over child rearing by disguising it as education).
Ivor Ivorsen
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 1:07 a.m.
Huh?
maallen
Sun, Mar 10, 2013 : 12:14 a.m.
Based on the title of the Guest Column, I thought Rebekah Warren would be talking about International Women's Day and all the great things that women have done. But I should have known better, it was just another typical hit piece by Rebekah Warren to push her agenda. This time she's using International Women's Day to push climate change agendas. Way to go Rebekah Warren. Instead of talking about International Women's Day and what it actually is all about, you have managed to change it into a political tool to push your agendas. Nice.
dotdash
Sat, Mar 9, 2013 : 11:02 p.m.
Wow, the lead was buried way deep in that article. Yes, let's support Gina McCarthy! (And dare to hope she can do a better job protecting the environment than Christie Todd Whitman, woman though she was)