U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono and Lisa Blunt Rochester, along with Representative LaMonica McIver, introduced the Working Women’s Bill of Rights resolution on Mar. 25 in Congress, joined by several other lawmakers. The resolution recognizes Congress’s responsibility to address workplace issues affecting women and aims to safeguard workers from unequal treatment.
The introduction comes during Women’s History Month and the week of Equal Pay Day, underscoring ongoing concerns about gender inequity in the workforce. Lawmakers say recent executive actions have negatively impacted women’s rights at work.
“From unequal pay to a lack of professional advancement, gender inequity and discrimination in the workplace are still far too common in our country despite the critical work women do,” said Senator Hirono. “Now, as Trump and Republicans continue attacking workplace rights, freedoms, and protections, I am proud to introduce this resolution recognizing the important work women do across our country and reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding gender equity in the workplace.” Senator Hirono assists Hawaiians with federal agencies, casework, grants, tours, flags, internships, and service academy nominations according to the official website.
Senator Blunt Rochester said: “Women across America are bearing the brunt of wealth inequality, discrimination in the workplace, and stifled professional advancement – and the Trump administration’s harmful policies are making things worse… I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle stand up for economic justice.” Representative McIver added: “It’s no surprise that working women are being forced to bear the burden of Trump’s disastrous economic policies—he has shown us over and over again that he doesn’t care about us… As much as this administration wants to ignore us, we’re demanding Trump and Republicans’ attention to the damage they are doing to women.”
Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez said more than 450,000 women left their jobs last year due to child care costs or job loss linked with federal policy changes. She said: “Our women workers—many who balance demands of work and caretaking—deserve far better.” Emily Martin from National Women’s Law Center stated: “But today baseline protections for women in the workplace are under attack… This puts 75 million working women at risk—especially women of color… At a time when women’s rights…are being targeted lawmakers must urgently address these challenges by showing up for safety dignity equality at work.” Jocelyn Frye from National Partnership for Women & Families highlighted how lacking access impacts families’ financial stability.
The resolution is supported by numerous advocacy organizations nationwide. In addition to her legislative efforts on behalf of working families,Hirono serves on Senate committees including Judiciary; Armed Services; Energy & Natural Resources; Veterans’ Affairs; Small Business & Entrepreneurship; she champions healthcare access renewable energy veterans’ benefits support for working families.
Hirono became both the first Asian American womanand the first Buddhist electedto U.S. Senate after immigrating from Japan as a child with her mother.She previously servedin U.S House after earning degrees from University Hawaii Mānoa Georgetown Law.
