Women make up nearly 60 percent of the U.S. restaurant industry. They have made enormous contributions, breaking boundaries and driving change — even in job areas that have historically neither welcomed nor appreciated them.

Today, as the world celebrates International Women’s Day, the Restaurant Opportunities Centers (ROC) United honors the millions of women who have worked tirelessly in restaurants to serve and feed us, empower our economy, and make our communities thrive.

As essential workers and first responders, women lead the fight for the Restaurant Workers Bill of Rights, equal pay rights, LGBTQIA and reproductive rights, better working conditions, and racial-gender justice.

Despite significant progress, however, women workers — particularly immigrants, people of color and members of BIPOC communities — still face systemic challenges every single day. Women comprise nearly 70 percent of all tipped workers, still legally paid only $2.13 an hour. They are often overworked, undervalued and underpaid.

But it is the leadership and sacrifices of women that have motivated our cause. It is their bold action and authentic selves that show us that the industry can be free of racial and gender biases and discrimination—and that diversity is highly valued in every workplace.

Happy International Women’s Day and Month.