Politics in our country largely fails to represent a demographic that comprises half of our population. Women, though by no means a minority in a statistical sense, are a political minority — a minority in power and privilege. The norms and policies of our society have put women at a disadvantage and forced many of us to choose between having a career or starting a family.
Although Vermont is ahead of much of the nation in regard to women’s equality, the U.S. is behind much of the world. It is time that we start providing paid family leave and quality affordable child care so that working mothers are not faced with impossible choices between family, income and career. No one should have to choose between taking care of their family and economic stability. We are doing a disservice to women and society at large by forcing this choice upon mothers. The lives of families and children across our state have been strained and the workforce is missing out on the talents and skills of women.
Women’s issues are not just women’s issues. They are family issues, societal issues and economic issues. Women’s issues are everyone’s issues. That’s why I’m voting for Matt Dunne for governor in the primary on Aug. 9. I hope you’ll join me.
Hannah Hatch
Ferrisburgh