(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Women’s History Month is an opportunity for all in the Labor Movement to collectively celebrate the many contributions of Women throughout history - and his year, the American Federation Of Government Employees (AFGE) is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of our Women’s Department!

Fueled by the social movements of the 1960s and 1970s, AFGE established the Women’s Department in 1974 to improve the status of Women and their families and to eliminate artificial barriers to the progress of Women in government service.

“This historic milestone not only created history in our Union, but has served as a catalyst to help ensure Women will have a voice, a seat and a space in all aspects of the work that our Union does to promote Civil, Human, Women's and Workers’ Rights on behalf of Federal and D.C. Government Workers,” AFGE National Vice President for Women’s and Fair Practices Jeremy Lannan said.

Since the AFGE’s founding in 1932, Women have played a central role in building and sustaining this Union.

At the first AFGE National Convention, for example, 14 of the 42 delegates were Women.

At this inaugural convention, Esther Penn was elected as AFGE’s 7th Vice President and Bernice Heffner became the Secretary and Treasurer.   

Join AFGE in celebrating Women everywhere by clicking on the link below for a list of virtual workshops the AFGE’s Women’s and Fair Practices Department is hosting throughout the month of March: AFGE | AFGE Celebrates Women’s History Month, 50th Anniversary of AFGE Women’s Department

Photo Via The AFGE's Website.