Jen Miller, Executive Director of LWV Ohio, hopes that the new Ohio's Women's Monument, officially unveiled Oct. 14, "inspires all of us to understand why our right to vote is sacred, why it changes our lives, and all of the ways that we stand on the shoulders of those women who have gone before us." The monument, on the Ohio Statehouse's south plaza, features four etched granite columns and nine bronze figures representing the many contributions Ohio women have made throughout generations. 

It includes Ohio women from different walks of life, including astronaut Judith Resnick, suffragist Belle Sherwin, and the first woman to serve as the speaker of the Ohio House, JoAnn Davidson, who died only two years ago. 

“It is incredibly important that when young people walk these Statehouse grounds, they see women leaders,"  Miller added, "because if they don’t, they may not imagine women leading."

The monument was created by artist Brenda Councill. Her previous works include the monument at the Alan Cottrill Sculpture Museum and Studio in Zanesville. The monument was 7 years in the making and leaders involved say the project aims to address a long-standing gap in how women are represented in public spaces. "Less than 8% of statues depict real women nationally," said former Ohio Sen. Stephanie Kunze, who initiated the effort. She called the project "a dream realized" after years of planning and advocacy.

The monument is only the second on statehouse grounds in the nation dedicated to women, according to organizers. 

Gov. Mike DeWine attended the unveiling, along with state and community leaders and representatives from the Capitol Square Foundation. Kristie Dukes Davis, a board member for the Ohio Arts Council, said "I hope that schools will make this a destination. It's not only historical, but for them to understand it wasn’t too long ago that we didn’t have the right." Davis added that the monument is meant to do more than reflect the past, but inspire change.

For more, including more photos click HERE.