First lady Melania Trump hosted a women’s luncheon at the White House Wednesday to mark International Women’s Day, while a statement from the White House sidestepped the subject of many women taking the day off from work.
“America will only become stronger, more prosperous, and better able to meet our shared goals, as women achieve greater access to a level playing field,” White House press secretary Sean Spicer said in a statement. “The United States, as a beacon of hope and a leader in promoting women’s rights, is deeply committed to empowering women both at home and abroad.”
Among those attending the first lady’s luncheon in the East Room were Karen Pence, wife of Vice President Mike Pence; presidential counselor Kellyanne Conway; Education Secretary Betsy DeVos; Sen. Susan Collins, Maine Republican; Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon, and presidential daughter Ivanka Trump.
Mr. Spicer said the administration’s policies “will work to advance the economic empowerment of women by promoting entrepreneurship and equal access to education, employment opportunities, and training adapted to a new economic landscape.”
Mr. Spicer said one of President Trump’s first initiatives was to promote women in business by launching the U.S.-Canada Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders.
“This administration will work diligently to encourage women to enter and succeed in the workforce while addressing the many barriers women still face in achieving economic success, including those that impede women’s access to capital, markets, and networking opportunities,” he said.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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