The history books may not yet have been updated, but there’s no question that 2017 was a pivotal year for women in America. On the heels of one of the greatest election seasons in history, during which men and women alike marched to the polls and voted for powerful, capable women they believed would make a difference in their lives, progress was made at the state and national levels that will impact the lives of American women for years to come.

The Governor’s Mansion Gets A Face-Lift

One of the most significant stories to emerge from this year was the renovation of the governor’s mansion in Albany, which was carefully carried out by interior designer George Dolese. Working closely with the architects at the New York State Capital, Dolese gave the residence a complete face-lift, providing a modern spin that honors the history of this iconic building while offering an abundance of fresh, bright and open space.

One way Dolese paid homage to the past was by keeping much of the mansion’s original design. In particular, the designer noted how the yellow stone used for the construction of the building exudes a “soothing, feminine quality” that he felt would be an appropriate choice for the interior design of the historic structure.

In addition to honoring the design of the building, Dolese gave the residence a contemporary flare by incorporating a variety of textures across the floors, walls, and ceilings. From the simple yet elegant stucco used on the exterior walls to the plush, wood-like flooring in the entrance hall, every inch of the building exudes a sense of luxury and quality.

The #metoo Movement Helps Advance Female Candidates

Another significant story that came out of this year was the #metoo movement and the many strides made in terms of promoting gender equality. While there’s no question that 2017 was a banner year for women in general, it was a particularly good year for female candidates seeking public office. Across the country, women stepped forward in record numbers, motivated to stand up for what they believe in and to make a difference where they can. One of the most prominent examples of this was the 2018 midterm elections, during which an unprecedented number of women stepped up to run for office and were successful in doing so. Many credit the #metoo movement and the many talented and driven candidates who emerged as a major driving factor behind the unprecedented wave of female candidates this year (and in future elections as well).

The Future Of The Democratic Party

It’s been a wild year for the Democratic Party, one that will undoubtedly go down in history books as one of the greatest election seasons in American history. The success of the party in this year’s elections gave it a major boost of confidence, both at the federal and state levels. With the 2020 presidential election already upon us, many Democrats are already looking ahead to the next election and the possibility of putting a woman on the ticket. The party itself is also looking ahead, actively seeking to recruit and support talented and capable women who wish to run for federal and state office in the next election. With the party enjoying such a prominent victory this year, they have every reason to be optimistic about the future of women in politics.

More States Are Embracing Pro-Choice Politics

One of the most significant developments this year was the gradual shift in some of the states towards more progressive policies. Over the course of the year, several states enacted laws that were touted as being “pro-choice” or “pro-women’s rights,” making this a banner year for reproductive rights. As we’ve discussed here before, the policies surrounding reproductive health are among the most controversial topics in America today. However, the fact that so many states were so open to supporting progressive causes this year bodes well for the future.

More States Are Embracing LGBTQ + Politics

One of the other significant developments that made this year special was the gradual shift in some of the states towards more LGBTQ + friendly policies. Some of the most prominent examples of this include:

• Rhode Island becoming the first state to allow transgender individuals to change the sex on their birth certificates
• California establishing the first state-funded gender counselor’s office in the country
• New York City Council passing a resolution pledging support for the LGBTQ community
• Virginia passing a law allowing discrimination against homosexuals and providing no protections for transgender individuals
• Washington State passing a broad LGBTQ-affirming law

These are just a few of the significant stories that made this year special. There were many others as well. Whether it was the resurgence of the #metoo movement or the election of several prominent women to the US Senate, it was truly a year for the history books.