"Good Morning.  This is Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

"March is Women's History Month.  It's when we acknowledge the past achievements of women.  Just as importantly, it's a time to recognize the current contributions that women make in our homes, places of work, and our communities.  Our Administration is committed to creating a City of Opportunity for all New Yorkers - women and men.  And we're making good on that pledge.

"Safety is fundamental to opportunity.  Over the last three years, our Administration has reduced all domestic violence crimes by 27% and domestic violence-related homicides by nearly 12%.  And our "John Doe" indictment project has used DNA profiles to bring indictments in nearly 40 unsolved rape cases.  That means that when we apprehend the rapists in these cases, they won't be able to escape punishment just because the legal statute of limitations has expired.

"Choice is basic to opportunity.  One of my first acts as mayor was an executive order directing that instruction in safe abortion care be part of OB/GYN training for residents at every public hospital and clinic.

"Fairness is essential to opportunity.  My Administration has helped level the playing field for minority- and women-owned businesses who want to do business with City government.

"Good health is necessary for opportunity.  That's why our Administration's 'Take Care New York' campaign focuses on issues of importance to women's health, like increasing testing for breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer. 

"Education is the foundation of opportunity.  So we're committed to ensuring that gifted and talented programs and quality after-school programs are available to girls and boys in every public school and every community. 

"During Women's History Month, the City's Commission on Women's Issues is highlighting why New York is a City of Opportunity for women, and spreading the word about the resources and opportunities that City government offers women.  Last week, we honored 16 small businesses that have done an exemplary job of providing women with opportunities with privately raised grants totaling $140,000.  We've launched a 'New York Loves Women,' a multi-media public information campaign.  And we've unveiled a user-friendly online 'New York City Family Guide' website that's a one-stop resource on raising a family in New York City.  It has information on how City agencies can improve family nutrition, ease access to health insurance, and link families up with child care options and other services.  Check it out at www.nyc.gov.

"You don't spend as much time as I do in our city's neighborhoods without seeing that women are at the forefront of grassroots efforts to improve playgrounds, libraries, senior centers, and other important services that provide opportunity to communities and families.  And this Women's History Month, I'm proud to say that our Administration is their partner.

"This is Mayor Mike Bloomberg.  Thanks for listening."