One hundred fifty years ago this year, the first official convention was organized in Seneca Falls, NY. Revolutionary leaders, like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, spoke at the 1848 convention for "social, civil and religious conditions and the rights of women."

As a result of the social movement begun by the women who attended the Seneca Falls convention, there is little doubt that women have made significant progress in their private lives and in the professional world.

However, there is always room for improvement and advancement. The New York State Assembly is just one area where it is evident that women are underrepresented. Of the 150 members in the state Assembly, only 33 are women. Women represent more than 50 percent of the population, but not nearly 50 percent of the membership of legislative bodies across the country.

Over the past few years, advances have been made. On Feb. 3 of this year, two Long Island professionals, Kate Murray and Maureen O'Connell, were elected to the state Assembly. I welcome my colleagues and can only hope more women choose to accept such a challenging public role.

Although we are making progress, closing the gap between the number of men and women legislative members can only increase our ability to address the concerns of over 50 percent of the population.

With greater female involvement in policy-making offices, we can enhance New York's capacity to be more sensitive to the needs of women, children and families.

In recognition of March as National Women's History Month, on the 19th I am honored to be speaking at my alma mater, St. John's University.

The increasing number of women who obtain a college degree or an advanced degree is overwhelming evidence that the continuing work begun by women such as Susan B. Anthony and Jane Addams has given the women of today more opportunities than ever before.

It is gratifying to see the increasing progress made year after year not only in the area of public policy, but in the private, professional sector as well. With the appropriate educational tools, young women are more determined than ever to surpass the advancement their mothers and grandmothers achieved.