An equal world is an enabled world.

We've made great strides toward equity, but there is still so much more work to be done. Today is International Women's Day, a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

This year, the theme is #EachForEqual. An equal world is an enabled world and together we can actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women's achievements.

I am committed to working to expand women's rights — specifically protecting the autonomy of their health care decisions and ensuring pay equity in the workplace. I support:

• the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act
• expanding reproductive health care and birth control access
• a permanent repeal of the Title X gag rule which seeks to limit reproductive freedom
• legislation to protect pregnant workers and provide schedule flexibility to lower-wage workers without the threat of retaliation
• legislation to promote equitable pay rates and increased minimum wages

Collectively, each one of us can help create a gender-equal world.

This is only the beginning. Join the conversation on Facebook: how can we better empower the women in our community?

Rick