Governor Kathy Hochul has directed several New York State landmarks to be illuminated in purple on March 1, marking the beginning of Women’s History Month. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the state to highlight ongoing work to expand and protect women’s rights.
“Despite systemic efforts to dismantle women’s rights and reverse hard-fought progress under the Trump administration, New York continues to lead the way in the fight for equal rights and efforts to support women and their families,” Governor Hochul said. “As New York’s first mom Governor and first woman governor, I will continue to advance initiatives that invest in women and girls statewide, ensuring that New York remains a place where their safety, health, and rights are protected.”
The FY 2027 Executive Budget proposed by Governor Hochul includes measures aimed at supporting women throughout New York. One major component is a $4.5 billion investment intended to make child care affordable and universally available for children under five years old across the state. The administration has stated that nearly one-third of women in New York City leave the workforce due to lack of affordable child care options. Research indicates that making universal child care accessible could increase labor force participation by as many as 28,000 workers statewide, potentially adding up to $1.6 billion in wages.
In addition, since taking office in 2021, Governor Hochul has made investments designed to strengthen reproductive freedom within the state. These actions include codifying abortion as emergency health care under state law and requiring hospitals to provide abortion services when necessary for pregnant patients’ life or safety. Last year saw new legislation protecting doctors and patients involved in abortion services, along with an annual allocation of $25 million through the New York State Abortion Access Program. For this year’s budget proposal, there is up to $35 million set aside for continued support—specifically enabling funding for Planned Parenthood health centers if federal cuts impact services.
Workplace equity is another focus area highlighted by Governor Hochul’s administration. In January, it was noted that one year had passed since implementation of Paid Prenatal Leave—a law allowing eligible employees up to 20 hours of paid leave for pregnancy-related medical appointments regardless of whether they are full-time or part-time workers at private employers in New York State. During its initial year alone, workers used about 2.7 million hours of such leave.
This policy adds to existing programs like Paid Family Leave and employer-provided sick leave benefits designed so working individuals can seek needed pregnancy-related healthcare without risking employment or financial stability.
Efforts also extend into mentoring opportunities targeting young Black and Latina women through specific initiatives launched under Governor Hochul’s leadership: the Black Girls Mentoring Initiative and Latina Mentoring Initiative continue this year with renewed backing from her office.
Landmarks participating in this recognition event include One World Trade Center; Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge; Kosciuszko Bridge; H. Carl McCall SUNY Building; Alfred E. Smith State Office Building; Empire State Plaza; State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center; Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge; Grand Central Terminal Pershing Square Viaduct; Albany International Airport Gateway; Lake Placid Olympic Center; MTA LIRR East End Gateway at Penn Station; Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal; Moynihan Train Hall; and Roosevelt Island Lighthouse.