Women's Rights
The United States has made remarkable strides in the last several decades in breaking down barriers for women. Despite this progress, there is more work that needs to be done to honor women and expand their opportunities.
As a first step to recognize women’s achievements, I have introduced bipartisan legislation to institute the month of March as National Women’s History Month (H.RES. 525). I have also co-authored the bipartisan Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Women’s History Museum Act (H.R. 863), which passed the House this year. H.R. 863 increases awareness and knowledge of women’s involvement in history. Both bills also seek to acknowledge the women and organizations in the United States that have fought for and continue to promote the teaching of women’s history.
This Congress, we have worked on improving workplace policies that specifically address women and their families’ needs. Women nationwide are still only earning 77 cents, on average, for every dollar earned by men. This is a yearly wage differential of $11,084 between full-time working men and women. In an effort to address this disparity, I am a proud co-author of the Paycheck Fairness Act (H.R. 377) that provides more effective remedies to women who face blatant wage discrimination.
In addition, I am a co-author of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (H.R. 1975) and the Family and Medical Insurance Leave Act (H.R. 3712), that strengthens workplace protections so women do not have to choose between their workplace security and having a child.
I have also made a commitment for women to have reproductive choice and consistently voted against efforts that would limit this freedom. I have co-authored the Women’s Health Protection Act (H.R. 3471) and the Stop Deceptive Advertising for Women’s Services Act (H.R. 2030), which would prohibit the imposition of unnecessary or misleading restrictions to access abortion services.
Finally, every woman should feel safe in her home, workplace, and community. I was a co-author of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (P.L. 113-4), which became law early last year. I am now working to make sure women on a global level have the same protections and have co-authored the International Violence Against Women Act (H.R. 3571).
I will continue to support efforts and create opportunities that not only advance women, but also educate our Nation that “when women succeed, America succeeds.”
More on Women's Rights
Napa, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) formally announced Magrit Mondavi as the recipient of a special, posthumous Woman of the Year Award. In February, Thompson accepted nominations from across the Fifth Congressional District for his annual awards honoring women who make an impact in our community. In light of Mondavi’s lifelong devotion to our community and the arts, Thompson presented a special recognition to her daughter, Annie Roberts.
Napa, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) formally announced Ronit Rubinoff as this year’s Woman of the Year in Sonoma County. In February, Thompson accepted nominations from across the Fifth Congressional District for his annual awards honoring women who make an impact in our community. After careful consideration, Rubinoff was selected for her work with Sonoma County Legal Aid.
Napa, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) formally announced Dr. Rhonda Renfro as this year’s Woman of the Year in Solano County. In February, Thompson accepted nominations from across the Fifth Congressional District for his annual awards honoring women who make an impact in our community. After careful consideration, Dr. Renfro was selected for her work as the founder and Director of Club Stride.
Napa, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) formally announced Karen Cakebread as this year’s Woman of the Year in Napa County. In February, Thompson accepted nominations from across the Fifth Congressional District for his annual awards honoring women who make an impact in our community. After careful consideration, Cakebread was selected for her work with the Napa Valley Vinters and her community service in the wake of the Valley Fire.
Napa, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) formally announced Madelene Lyon as this year’s Woman of the Year in Lake County. In February, Thompson accepted nominations from across the Fifth Congressional District for his annual awards honoring women who make an impact in our community. After careful consideration, Lyon was selected for her work with the Kelseyville Food Pantry, Redbud Audubon Society, and other charities.
Napa, CA – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) formally announced Sylvia Villa-Serrano as this year’s Woman of the Year in Contra Costa County. In February, Thompson accepted nominations from across the Fifth Congressional District for his annual awards honoring women who make an impact in our community. After careful consideration, Villa-Serrano was selected for her work with the Hercules Lion Club and the Hercules Chamber of Commerce.
Washington – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) introduced a bipartisan resolution honoring March as Women’s History Month—the origins of which are rooted in California’s Fifth Congressional District.
Washington – Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) voted against a proposal that would allow states to pull funding from Planned Parenthood and other community health centers that offer reproductive health services.
Napa, CA – Nominations are now open for Rep. Mike Thompson’s (CA-05) annual Woman of the Year Awards. Each year, in honor of National Women’s History Month, Thompson recognizes exceptional women across California’s Fifth Congressional District for the work they do in our community. Past recipients have been philanthropists, business leaders, educators, public servants, and more.