(Washington, DC – July 20, 2024)
Written by Immediate Past President, Donna Lent
The passing of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has left a mourning constituency and many supporters nationwide. Her untimely departure marks the end of an era for the people of Texas’s 18th congressional district, who have long benefited from her dedicated service and unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Reflecting on her tireless advocacy for women’s rights and her impactful contributions to the fight for equality for all, her passionate voice and relentless pursuit of a fairer society will be deeply missed.
Immediate Past President, Donna Lent and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has long been recognized as a steadfast supporter of the National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC), a nonpartisan organization dedicated to increasing women’s participation in the political process and achieving equality for all women. Her unwavering commitment to women’s rights and equality has made her a prominent figure in the fight for gender equity.
Representing Texas’s 18th congressional district since 1995, Sheila Jackson Lee had utilized her position to champion a wide array of issues affecting women. Her advocacy spans from promoting equal pay and reproductive rights to combating domestic violence and ensuring equal opportunities in education and the workforce.
Congresswoman Jackson Lee’s dedication to these causes was deeply rooted in her belief in the fundamental principle of equality for all. She had consistently pushed for legislation to eliminate gender discrimination and provide women with the resources and opportunities needed to succeed. Her work with the NWPC has been instrumental in advancing the organization’s mission to empower women through political action.
In Congress, Sheila Jackson Lee had been a vocal proponent of the Violence Against Women Act and worked tirelessly to strengthen laws protecting women from violence and abuse. She had also been a strong advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment, emphasizing the need to enshrine gender equality in the Constitution.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Congresswoman’s commitment to women’s rights had earned her numerous accolades and recognition from various organizations dedicated to gender equality. Her legacy as a fierce advocate for women’s rights and her continuous support for the NWPC will forever serve to inspire future generations of leaders.
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The National Women’s Political Caucus, founded in 1971, is the oldest national, multi-partisan, grassroots organization dedicated to identifying, recruiting, training, electing, and supporting pro-choice women candidates for elected and appointed office.
