John,

Above the mantle in the Governor’s Mansion, I have a portrait of my granddaughter Sofia and me walking the halls of the Capitol. Lining the halls? Governors from throughout New York history. Not a single woman.

To me, this represents a statement about what women are capable of, and the barriers we can break down. It is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come, and that these historically male-dominated spaces belong to us, too.

Because I know one thing with absolute certainty:

Anyone who tries to push us backward and strip away our rights is going to have a hell of a hard time — because New York women are a force to be reckoned with!

No other state can lay claim to being the birthplace of the women’s suffrage movement. 176 years ago, a group of 300 women — and a few enlightened men — gathered in Seneca Falls for the very first Women’s Rights Convention.

These women swam against the tides of their time, defying their communities, their churches, and even their own families, as they launched a revolution. And their grit, audacity, and bold defiance was passed down through the generations.

The righteous resolve and boundless hope of great women who came before us run through our veins at this very moment. It’s what drives us to build an even better world for our daughters and granddaughters — and fend off the dark forces that seek to drag us backwards.

As Governor, protecting and expanding women’s rights continues to be a top priority of mine.

We’ve fought to make New York State a safe harbor for reproductive care by enacting new laws and creating our nation-leading Abortion Provider Support Fund.

We’ve strengthened legal protections for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.

We’ve dedicated tens of millions of dollars to improve access to prenatal and postpartum services for expectant and new mothers.

In my State of the State, I said: Let’s take it further.

Let’s become the first state in the nation to offer paid prenatal leave, make investments to level the professional playing field, expand childcare, tackle the gender pay gap, and more.

And when it comes to empowering women in the workplace, I’m proud to say we walk the walk.

My administration has more women serving in leadership positions than any in state history.

When I came into Office, I wanted to build an inclusive team that would mirror this State’s incredible diversity because representation is so crucial for historically underrepresented groups — including young girls.

When they see themselves reflected in government, business, health care, the arts, and beyond, a world of new possibilities opens up to them. They work harder. They dream bigger. They believe that they too have the power to make a difference.

As we near the end of Women’s History Month, the message I leave you with is that the fight for equality is one that continues every day.

For generations, brave New York women have led that fight.

And now, we will carry their torch and make sure it burns even brighter for the New York women of tomorrow.

Ever Upward,

Gov. Kathy Hochul