Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
May 15, 2022
(Manchester, NH) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement after attending the New Hampshire Women’s Foundation Gala last night to accept this year’s AmpifiHer Award, which recognizes exceptional work to invest in opportunities and equality for women and girls in the Granite State.
“I’m honored to accept the AmplifiHer Award. Empowering women has always been a top priority – whether that’s helping small businesses led by women, combating sexual and domestic violence or fighting for basic rights and freedoms for women around the world,” said Shaheen. “Women are the linchpins of our communities. With each woman that ascends and becomes a leader, she opens the door for more women to follow in her footsteps and stand on her shoulders. Ensuring women’s voices are heard and represented is particularly critical during this watershed moment in which Roe is under threat, turning back the clock on reproductive freedom for millions of women. I’m joining the chorus of women in New Hampshire and across the country who are committed to empowering women and ensuring our fundamental rights and freedoms are preserved.”
For decades, Shaheen has been a fierce advocate for women and girls. As Chair of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Shaheen has continuously secured record-high funding to support Violence Against Women Act programs and serves as a fierce advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Shaheen – the only woman on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee – leads action in the Senate to break down barriers impacting access to education, reproductive care and economic opportunity. Senator Shaheen is a champion for pay equity and is working in the Senate to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would help eliminate the gender wage gap and end pay discrimination.
Shaheen is also an unrelenting advocate for women’s reproductive rights. Last week, she and New Hampshire’s congressional delegation held a press conference with Planned Parenthood of Northern New England to discuss what’s at stake for women’s reproductive health in New Hampshire if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, and she spoke on the Senate floor to urge lawmakers to vote in favor of legislation that would codify Roe. For years, Shaheen has fought to expand coverage of women’s preventative care, including through her legislation to reduce the cost of contraception for servicewomen and dependents in military families. In March, she joined HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra in Manchester for a meeting with New Hampshire family planning providers amid continued attacks from State and congressional Republicans, including the abortion ban and costly, unnecessary ultrasound mandate signed into law. She’s also led the delegation in pushing for Title X funding, and in January, she applauded a $500,000 Title X Dire Need Grant award through HHS for PPNNE.