Women’s History Month is not just a celebration; it is a recognition born out of struggle.
What began as a local observance and grew into a nationally recognized month was never about simply marking time on a calendar. It was about correcting a history that too often left women out. It was about making sure the contributions, sacrifices, and achievements of women were not overlooked, erased, or forgotten.
That is exactly why it remains so important today.
Even now, women’s stories are still being written. Progress is still being fought for. And the need to recognize, uplift, and invest in women across every profession, every community, and every level of leadership has not gone away.
We honor Women’s History Month because the rights women have today were not given to us. They were fought for and won.
We stand on the shoulders of women like Susan B. Anthony and Sojourner Truth who demanded a voice when women had none. Women like Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first to seek a major party’s nomination for President. Women like Dolores Huerta who organized and fought for workers’ rights, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg who spent her life advancing gender equality under the law.
That legacy has continued in more modern times. From Geraldine Ferraro who made history as the first woman to run for Vice President of the United States, to former Vice President Kamala Harris who broke barriers at the highest levels of government and ran for President, women have continued to redefine what leadership looks like in this country.
Here in New York, that progress is visible and meaningful.
The New York City Council now has more women serving than ever before. Both the current and immediate past Council Speakers are women—leaders shaping policy, driving change, and representing the voices of New Yorkers. At the state level, women hold the highest offices: Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.
These milestones matter. They reflect years of advocacy, persistence, and collective effort. They show what is possible when barriers are broken, especially when women of color rise to lead at the highest levels.
Women’s History Month is not just about celebrating progress, however. It is also about confronting hard truths.
Recent reporting has forced a painful but necessary conversation within the labor movement. Allegations brought forward in a 2026 investigation detail claims that César Chávez—an iconic labor leader who helped transform workers’ rights in this country—abused women and girls during his time leading the United Farm Workers.
This news was difficult to hear and digest.
Chávez’s contributions to the labor movement are undeniable. But no legacy, no matter how impactful, can excuse harm or silence survivors.
As a labor movement, we must be clear: we can honor the progress that was made while also standing firmly with women who come forward. We must ensure that our unions are not only strong, but safe. That leadership is not only powerful, but accountable.
Real progress means standing with women, even when it’s uncomfortable. In fact, we need to stand with and support each other especially when it’s uncomfortable.
This also reminds us of something important. Movements are never about one person; they are built by many, often by women whose contributions have not always been fully recognized.
That is why we must continue to lift up women, not just in history books, but in real time.
While women are leading at historic levels, too many are still fighting for fairness in their everyday lives, especially in the workplace.
The fight for equal pay for equal work is still very real. Local 1180 has been on the front lines of that fight in New York City. We have exposed pay disparities, taken action, and pushed for transparency and accountability. We know that women, especially women of color, continue to face inequities in pay, promotions, and opportunity and we are doing something about it.
We’re not just raising our voices. We are making change. We are working with city and state leaders to ensure our members, and all women, are paid fairly and equitably. We are working to remove barriers that prevent women from advancing. And we are in the trenches every day, pushing legislation and policies that will protect and strengthen women’s rights in the workplace.
That is why this work matters and that is why this month matters.
Women’s History Month reminds us that recognition is not enough. We must continue to act.
We must lift up women. Support women in leadership. Create clear pathways for the next generation. Challenge inequities wherever they exist. And stand together to ensure that fairness, respect, and opportunity are not just ideals but realities.
Local 1180 will continue to lead that fight because the history we honor today is the foundation for the progress we demand tomorrow.