Women's Equality Day marks the anniversary of women's enfranchisement and a pivotal victory for women's rights. Our Nation recognized a woman's right to vote with the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, but the roots of the women's rights movement go back to at least 80 years earlier.

Tremendous advancements have been made in the fight for equality. But we must remain diligent in enforcing our Nation's laws. And we still have work to do in this area. Today, thousands of people, mainly women and children, are trafficked into the United States each year and forced to work in the sex industry, sweatshops, field labor, and domestic servitude. Beyond these vile acts, workplace discrimination and targeted violence continue to take place, despite their rejection by our communi-ties and legal system.

Our efforts to ensure women equal rights must include the protection of women from violence and equal access to justice. This is particularly vital for women who face geographic, cultural, and other barriers to social justice services. Women victimized by crime should receive equitable and compassionate care, including access to advocacy, emergency shelter, law enforcement protection, and legal aid.

As we remember the well-known champions of women's equality, we also honor the millions of women whose private efforts and personal ideals continue to sustain and improve this land. On Women's Equality Day, I call upon all Americans to defend the freedoms gained by those who came before us and to continue to expand our shared vision of social justice and equality.  Complete Text