March 1, 2010

Washington, D.C.—Nevada Senator Harry Reid made the following statement in recognition of Women’s History Month:

“Many women have played an integral role in shaping the Silver State. In the beginning of the 20th century, Mary Stoddard Doten and Bird Wilson fought for women’s suffrage in Nevada and helped to give women a voice. In the decades following the Civil Rights Era, Imogene Evelyn Young Ford and Beda Brennecke Cornwall advocated for women’s civil rights, building a foundation for future female leaders.

“Nevada women continue to lead today, rising to leadership positions in business and government. My federal judicial nominee, Gloria Navarro, has dedicated her life to public service and her Nevada community. Navarro’s confirmation will make her the first Hispanic woman to serve as a judge in the Federal District of Nevada.

“We consider ourselves honored to carry on the long and storied tradition of these pioneers and so we must continue their work to end discrimination against women. I aim to improve fair treatment of women in the workplace by advocating for the Paycheck Fairness Act. This will close the gap between what women and men receive in compensation. Additionally, I remain committed to health care reform that will end discrimination against women in the health insurance industry.”