READOUT: Department of Labor presents panel discussion with women advocating for change to honor Women’s History Month

WASHINGTON – During a livestreamed event on April 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor welcomed women in leadership in elected office, labor unions, professional sports and worker advocacy for a fireside chat at the department’s Washington headquarters on how women are making a difference in the workplace.

“Celebrating Women Workers Who Advocate for Change” featured remarks by Senior Counselor to the Secretary of Labor Betty Hung, reflected on efforts underway to improve conditions for women workers and was the culmination of Women’s History Month 2024. The event was presented by the department’s Women’s Bureau and Chief Diversity and Equity Office.

Moderated by the bureau’s Director Wendy Chun-Hoon, the chat included Pennsylvania State Sen. Maria Collett, American Federation of Teachers Vice President Jessica Tang, International Union of Painters & Allied Trades District Council 51 member Rochelle Ramsey-Walker, U.S. Soccer Federation Participant Safety Taskforce Chair Mana Shim and National Domestic Workers Alliance member Dulce Ceballos

“The women on the stage today are doing transformative work in their communities and across our country,” said Senior Counselor to the Secretary of Labor Betty Hung, after drawing a parallel between the first woman Secretary of Labor, Frances Perkins, and the trailblazers participating in the event. “Let’s show up for the working women who are counting on us…and use all the power we have to improve life for working women."

“No one should have to choose between caring for a sick family member or welcoming a new addition and having the income to put food on the table, or keep a roof over their head,” said Pennsylvania State Sen. Maria Collett. “Legislators and residents on both sides of the aisle know that paid leave would be a gamechanger for employers and workers alike.”

“If you look at the history of this country and globally, women and particularly women of color have been marginalized and oppressed. If we want true equity and equality, we need a voice at the table. And that table isn’t always something we’ve been invited to.” said American Federation of Teachers Vice President Jessica Tang. “We have to take a seat at the table and not be afraid to be there. . . to be part of the solution we have to be there.”

“No one can tell your story better than you because you are built for this,” exhorted Rochelle Ramsey-Walker, of the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades District Council 51. “There is support out there, willing to be the driving force to stand with you in solidarity. Be a self-advocate so you can be an advocate for others.”

“We noted that lack of standards and poor accommodations made it (women’s soccer) a ripe environment for gender-based violence and harassment,” explained U.S. Soccer Federation Participant Safety Taskforce Chair Mana Shim. “The standard should be that if you don’t feel comfortable hearing it in a classroom or a boardroom, you shouldn’t be comfortable hearing it on the field or the court.”

“Women have to be integrated into these fights because it is where the changes we need to work with respect and dignity are determined,” said National Domestic Workers Alliance member Dulce Ceballos. “Representation is important to stop the continuation of the same abuses. United, we are stronger!”

“The Women’s Bureau is here to your amplify voices in the policy process,” said Director Wendy Chun-Hoon. “I hope everyone will continue taking part in the conversation we started today. We know there's much more to do.”

Panelists shared their individual experiences, describing how standing up for women in their workplaces fueled others to advocate for change around issues such as paid leave, preventing and responding to gender-based violence and harassment and disrupting occupational segregation and wage discrepancies.

Founded more than 100 years ago, the Women’s Bureau advocates for equality and economic security of women and their families and promotes environments that are safe and healthy for women in the world of work.

View the recording of “Celebrating Women Workers Who Advocate for Change.”