To the Editor:

The Women’s Equality Agenda will help break barriers to women’s full and equal participation in society. It also will help working women provide for their families.

Women are the primary or co-breadwinners in two-thirds of New York families, but on average they earn 16 percent less than men. They are often denied jobs or promotions because they have children. Pregnant women can be pushed out of their jobs for requesting a modest, temporary accommodation.

These and other disparities harm families. For example, 70 percent of children of single mothers in New York are classified as poor or low income.

Among its 10 provisions, the Women’s Equality Agenda includes measures to close the wage gap and protect mothers and pregnant women from workplace discrimination.

These sensible reforms will provide financial stability to female-headed households in Rochester and statewide. State Sens. Thomas O’Mara and Joseph Robach should support them.

Kaelyn Rich
Director, Genesee Valley Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union