In honor of women’s contributions to North Carolina and the nation, Governor Roy Cooper has signed a proclamation declaring March as Women’s History Month.
“Women have made invaluable contributions in every field, from medicine and technology to government and public policy,” Gov. Cooper said. “This month, we salute the visionary women of our history and the many women still working to make our state a better place to live and work.”
During the month of March and throughout the year, the State of North Carolina is proud to recognize the role of women across our state’s history.
“Women’s History Month is a great time to remember that ensuring equal pay for equal work, providing workplace policies that support pregnant women and families, and expanding Medicaid and access to healthcare aren’t just women’s issues,” said Secretary Machelle Sanders of the Department of Administration. “These are critical measures that impact women, families, communities and the economy—these are issues that affect the whole state.”
Gov. Cooper and his administration are committed to measures that support women and all North Carolinians. Recognizing that pregnant workers are often sidelined from their careers when small adjustments would enable them to keep working, Gov. Cooper signed Executive Order No. 82 supporting pregnant state government employees. Executive Order No. 82 provides pregnant employees with needed workplace protections and modifications and requires state agencies to prevent discrimination, harassment, or retaliation against pregnant state employees. Gov. Cooper’s budget proposal also targets the gender pay gap through a salary adjustment fund, which agencies can use to correct existing gender disparities among their employees.
Gov. Cooper knows we also need to make it easier for women to enter or return to the workforce. Expanding child care subsidy slots for working families is a priority and included in the governor’s budget. Child care is one of the largest expenses families face, and more child care assistance helps low-income mothers stay employed to support their families. Gov. Cooper’s Finish Line Grants program helps students at North Carolina’s community colleges tackle unexpected expenses that could cause them to drop out, including many women trying to advance their careers while dealing with the financial demands of caring for family. Gov. Cooper’s proposed budget would expand Finish Line grants to students at all North Carolina colleges and universities.
Now in its 56th year, the North Carolina Council for Women and Youth Involvement, a part of the NC Department of Administration, advocates for women across the state. Through outreach and advocacy, the Council continues to be an influence on advancing and protecting the rights of women and providing a voice to issues affecting them while recognizing their many achievements along the way.
“The Council’s vision is for North Carolina to model the best quality of life for women to other states,” said Mary Williams-Stover, executive director of the North Carolina Council for Women. “Women are 52% of NC’s population and have made tremendous progress. The second Status of Women in NC report, scheduled for release in the spring, will highlight the health issues impacting women and families across NC, particularly women who are not working full-time and receiving benefits.”
Read Gov. Cooper’s proclamation in honor of Women’s History Month HERE.
Learn more about Women’s History Month events taking place across North Carolina HERE.
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