Talkline with Hoppy Kercheval  Watch |  Listen

W.Va. officials celebrate Women’s Equality Day

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — It’s been 95 years since women were given the right to vote in the United States and West Virginia officials are encouraging women to take advantage of that right.

“It’s time for us to run for office, ladies,” said Tara Martinez, the executive director of the West Virginia Women’s Commission, during a Women’s Equality Day celebration in Charleston Wednesday.

The event was held to commemorate the passing of the 19th amendment with discussion about what the needs are for women in West Virginia.

“We’d like women to be representative of the 51 percent that we have here in the state and make our voices heard,” said Martinez.

Martinez said the first step of civic action is to volunteer, attend town hall meetings or city events.

“Don’t be afraid to speak up. Leaders need to know and, honestly, they want to know what you have to say. They don’t want to make decisions without knowing what your needs are,” she said.

Martinez said the biggest challenges women face in West Virginia include the equal pay discrepancies and pregnant worker’s fairness. She said something that helps her cope with the fears of standing up as a leader is looking around at all the women she works with that she considers her “network.”

“They’re my sounding boards and they’re my mentors and that’s what we need to do — is start just connecting with one another,” she said.

Wednesday’s featured speakers included West Virginia Secretary of State Natalie Tennant among others.

The Rutgers University Center on American Women and Politics will be assisting the state Women’s Commission in hosting a campaign training event for women on Sept. 18 and 19 at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Charleston.





More News

News
MetroNews This Morning 3-29-24
Summary of West Virginia news, sports, and weather for Friday, March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024 - 6:24 am
News
Dunlow Volunteer Fire Department closes
The Dunlow VFD did not have a valid workers compensation insurance policy.
March 29, 2024 - 1:23 am
News
As Yeager Airport's Wildlife Patrol Dog turns 7, a new dog comes in to learn from him
The new Border Collie is getting acclimated and receiving training for his soon-to-be role.
March 28, 2024 - 6:30 pm
News
PEIA examines financial effects of new law meant to ensure local pharmacies get fair reimbursements
Gov. Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 453 into law this week.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm