Thinking back: I had a high school counselor who refused to help us girls who wanted to go to college, I graduated from high school as a town girl married to a farmer; there, I learned to drive tractor, gather the eggs of 1,300 laying hens, and fight for fair prices for family farmers — this “fight for fair prices” continues as does the fight for equality. Later, when I came to Washington to be appointed to senior positions at USDOT and USDA by Presidents Clinton and Obama, I led the creation of the first USDA/FCIC organic crop insurance products and taught agriculture risk to worldwide international audiences. Now, although women’s health rights are being challenged daily, I ask you to join me in celebrating International Women’s Day worldwide.
We’ve come a long way, baby!
We have more to do but today is time for celebration.