March is International Women's Month, and a time to reflect on the many contributions made by women throughout the world while looking to the future to ensure we are charting a path for the generations to come. From Mary Wright Sewall, a suffragist who helped lead the fight for women's rights on a national and international level, to Helen Murray Free, a chemist who revolutionized self-testing systems for diabetes and other diseases, Indiana's history is full of trailblazers. In 2021, Hoosier women are still moving our state in the right direction.
From a young age, my parents encouraged me to follow my own path and break through barriers. I believe that if you work hard, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, regardless of gender. Throughout my life, being the only girl in the room, on the basketball court or on the track field never deterred me from pursuing my interests and competing. For me, this is not a roadblock, but a challenge I am ready to meet head on.
As a newly elected state legislator, I still find myself sometimes being the only woman in the room. This does not stop me from sharing my perspective and representing our community. Indiana is led by powerful women, with four of the six statewide elected offices held by females. A record number of women also ran for Congress in 2020, surpassing the 2018 midterm wave. Women voices are vital to the growth and success of our state and nation.
With our seat at the table, Indiana is making great strides in many policy areas on behalf of those we represent. To help support these and other legislative efforts, I am a part of the Indiana POWER Caucus, which serves as a forum to discuss legislative measures that impact all Hoosiers, especially women. Thanks to strong leadership, Indiana is moving forward on boosting our economy, lowering taxes, decreasing the infant mortality rate, protecting victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, improving our overall health, supporting students and educators, providing new tools to our law enforcement officers and veterans, lowering health care costs and strengthening our criminal justice system.
Still, we need more women in leadership roles, from elected offices to the workplace and in sports. As women lead by example, younger generations – like that of my daughter's – will have more role models to emulate. As a leader and a mother, I am committed to passing down to my daughter the same resilience as my parents instilled in me. One day, she may not find herself as the only female in the boardroom, but if she does, she will make her voice be heard and not underestimate her worth.
To all of the women who came before me and charted a path, thank you. I am committed to continuing the legacy and breaking down barriers. This International Women's Month and beyond, we can all challenge ourselves to make the world a more equitable place for all.
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State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) represents House District 58,
which includes a portion of Johnson County.
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