Today, New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Jim Johnson issued the following statement on International Women’s Day:

“On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of women around the world, reflect on the progress made, and recognize that there is much work left to do.

“Across the country, women’s rights and freedoms are under attack. From reinstating the Global Gag Rule to trying to defund Planned Parenthood, President Trump has time and again shown his disregard for gender equality. In New Jersey, our own Governor vetoed legislation that would help close the wage gap in our state. It’s absurd that in 2017 we are still fighting these battles.  As Governor, I will fight against Republican attempts to restrict access to essential healthcare, put measures in place to ensure bodily autonomy and protect women from physical harm and violence, and expand economic opportunities for all women, regardless of race, immigration status, income status, religion, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

“Our liberation is intersectional. We cannot have liberty and justice for all without recognizing the structural impediments women and minorities face. Today, and every day, let’s continue to demand change and take action to further justice, across the country and around the world, so that every person can live a full and healthy life.”

This afternoon, Johnson will join Rutgers University students, professors and staff as they participate in the nationwide “A Day Without a Woman” strike by walking out of their classes, dorms and offices and gathering for a teach-in about women’s rights. As Governor, Johnson will pass equal pay legislation, protect a woman’s right to choose, re-instate family planning funding to Planned Parenthood and other providers, and strengthen and expand New Jersey’s paid family leave law.