Women's Equality Day + Women's Commission Announcement

Hi everyone, this is Governor Gretchen Whitmer. I wanted to take a moment to wish you a happy Women's Equality Day and to make an exciting announcement. As you may know, this year is the centennial celebration of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. As we celebrate the progress that has been made over the past 100 years, we must also recognize that Black and Brown women continue to fight for decades after the 19th Amendment was passed to cast their ballots. Many barriers still exist today between women and their right to vote, and I pledge to continue the important work of breaking them down. Earlier this year, I attended each of the gender equity conversations hosted by the Michigan Women's Commission, and I had the chance to hear from women across the state about their concerns and needs. One point was repeatedly raised, making it loud and clear we cannot achieve gender equity without economic security. And that is why today I am announcing that the Michigan Women's Commission will be moving to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. We need pay equity. We need affordable and available child care. We need paid parental leave. We need leaders to work together to get it done. From day one of my administration, I've made a commitment to building a stronger, more equitable state. We can't call Michigan a home for opportunity unless Michigan women are afforded the same opportunities to be successful. I'm confident that through the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Michigan Women's Commission working together, these barriers can be broken down. In doing so, we will take another step forward in ensuring that Michigan women are treated with the same dignity and respect as their male counterparts, no matter their race, socioeconomic status or sexual orientation. I'm thrilled about this partnership, and I look forward to working with them to solve the issues that are impacting the economic security of Michigan women.