I'm dropping a quick note to mark International Women's Day.

We've observed this day in some way or another for over 100 years, and in that span of time, we've won some victories outright, made progress toward others, and dealt with starts and stops along the way.

But in recent years, it seems like we're dangerously close to sliding backwards.

Women in the US face callous laws and anti-choice judges determined to strip away our reproductive rights. Congress continues to play politics rather than protect paid family leave. Rural schools and teachers are underfunded and underpaid. Even getting dinner on the table is stretching budgets to their breaking point.

That's all true. And it's important, and it should motivate us to work ever harder for an equitable future.

But today we must also honor the invisible work women do. There's a strength and resilience in rural women that I've admired my entire life – pillars of our communities, the backbone of our schools, and mentors to the girls around them.

I'm proud to be one of those girls, raised at the feet of women who speak truth to power, who demand what they deserve, and who love our communities enough to fight for us every day. They set the standard I strive to meet in my career and my family, and I hope that one day, the girls in my life see me the way I see those women.

So, take a moment today to reflect on the contributions of the women in your life and honor them by vowing to fight stronger and harder to protect the rights and freedoms of all American women.

There's a lot of work yet to be done – but we can push the needle forward together.

Thank you for all that you do for your families and communities,

Ashton