House Democrats Celebrate Women's History Month, Highlight Ongoing Fight for Equality

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Munira Abdullahi (D-Columbus), president of the House Democratic Women's Caucus and several other women of the Ohio Democratic Caucus Tuesday held a press conference honoring Women’s History Month. Each member highlighted legislative priorities Democrats are fighting for that empower and support women across Ohio. 

“This Women’s History Month, we honor the women who paved the way—not just by remembering their names but by committing ourselves to their fight. We stand in the legacy of those who resisted, who marched, who legislated, who spoke truth to power even when it was dangerous,” said Rep. Munira. “And today, I ask all of us: What will we build? What will we leave behind for the people who come after us? We will build a world where no woman, no person fears for their safety in their home, in their workplace, or in their community. We will build movements that will outlast any speaker, presidency, administration, or any attempt to erase our power. And most importantly, we will build this together.”

Rep. Baker discussed the importance of ensuring that Ohio is a leader in providing access to quality healthcare for all families.

“In this General Assembly, we are focused on putting Ohioans first. As we all know, Ohio is facing a shortage of home health nurses and many families of children with complex medical needs find themselves without home health care services. In learning about this need, we’ve also heard of children essentially living in children’s hospitals because their family is unable to secure nursing care to support them living safely at home,” said Rep. Baker. “That’s why I am proud to be working with Rep. Cindy Abrams on HB 141 which would establish Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers in Ohio. These centers will allow for Ohio’s children with complex medical needs to attend early childhood education, receiving education and socialization with peers in a safe environment.”

Speaking about the recent attacks on reproductive rights in Ohio over the past few years, Rep. Anita Somani (D-Dublin) explained the importance of legislation like the Reproductive Care Act.

“The passage of Issue 1 in 2023 gave constitutional protection to reproductive rights from IVF to abortion and birth control. But it did not change the laws that were already in place. The Reproductive Care Act would repeal a variety of restrictive state laws which prevent people from accessing care and do not improve care. Transfer agreements and unnecessary ultrasounds do not reduce maternal mortality and if anything, they make it harder for people to get the care they deserve,” said Rep. Somani. “As female legislators, we stand on the shoulders of the trailblazers who fought for women to have equal rights. It is tragic to think we have to fight the same fights over and over again as progress is being rolled backwards to make us second class citizens. There is no other context where a person’s rights are dependent on what state they live in. We are here to say we will NOT let that happen in Ohio.”

Rep. Meredith Lawson-Rowe (D-Reynoldsburg) spoke about the fight for equal pay for women, calling for the passage of her and Rep. Brent (D-Cleveland)’s Ohio Equal Pay Act and Reps. Crystal Lett and Tristen Rader’s anti-discrimination bill.

“The time has come for women who work just as hard as men to make just as much as their male counterparts. It is also past time that all forms of discrimination in the workplace, and in general society for that matter, are criminalized in the state of Ohio,” said Rep. Lawson-Rowe. “The Ohio Democratic Women’s Legislative Caucus is committed to creating and sustaining equitable workplaces and workspaces in Ohio. These are common sense pieces of legislation that will go so far in equitizing and modernizing the workplace in Ohio.”

House Democrats are committed to creating a state that works for and supports all Ohioans, regardless of race, gender, income, and zip code. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: Tuesday’s press conference at the Ohio Statehouse can be viewed here.

 A picture of women legislators from the news conference can be found attached to this press release. Left to right: State Rep. Karen Brownlee, State Rep. Anita Somani, State Rep. Meredith Lawson-Rowe, State Rep. Veronica Sims, State Rep. Munira Abdullahi, State Rep. Erika White, State Rep. Rachel Baker, & Rep. Crystal Lett. 

Courtesy: Ohio House Democratic Caucus.