 |
|
3/9/2017
|
Sen. Nesselbush, Rep. Hearn host reception for International Women’s Day at State House
|
STATE HOUSE — Putting a spotlight on the smart, driven women of Rhode Island, while celebrating the accomplishments of female firefighters and the superintendent of State Police, Sen. Donna M. Nesselbush (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, North Providence) and Rep. Joy Hearn (D-Dist. 66, Barrington, East Providence) yesterday hosted a state celebration of the United Nations-recognized International Women’s Day.
The event, which took place in the governor’s State Room, began with a police honor guard escorting female elected officials into the State Room for a speaking program on women’s issues. The gathering honored senior female firefighters in each local fire department as well as honoring newly-appointed State Police Superintendent Col. Ann Assumpico.
“While firefighting continues to be a male-dominated field,” said Senator Nesselbush, who has hosted the State House celebration every year since she took office in 2011. “it is encouraging to see the number of female firefighters in attendance today. It wasn’t that long ago that firefighting was not only dominated by men, but exclusive to men. It’s important that we continue to recognize those who have come before us and to do whatever we can to encourage young women to reach their full potential in whatever fields they choose. I would love to be standing here 15 years from now and report to you that every one of those careers has an equal amount of men and women — and that they’re paid equally.”
“It is a great honor to be standing here honoring the achievements of all the great women of our state,” said Representative Hearn. “Every year, we have more and more to celebrate. And I am particularly glad that we can welcome Col. Ann Assumpico to the ranks of women who are honored on this day. Her career and leadership with the State Police is an inspiration to women all over Rhode Island. She is a role model to the girls who will one day grow up and swell the ranks of police officers and firefighters in this state.”
International Women’s Day is a day to reflect on the achievements of women and the fight for gender equality. It is also a day for acknowledging the strides the world has taken in advancing women’s rights, freedoms and protections. The United Nations has recognized and celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8 since 1975.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
|
|