Last night, as one of the first official actions at the Democratic National Convention, delegates approved the Democratic Party's Platform, entitled "Renewing America's Promise."  The platform addresses some of the most pressing issues facing our nation, and takes on the challenges that millions of women from all across this country are facing -- issues like healthcare and their children's education. 

The platform commits the party to Barack Obama's policy ideas, but also recognizes the ideas and energy that Senator Hillary Clinton introduced into the primary -- the ideas that more than 18 million people showed support for with their vote.

And perhaps most importantly, the platform committee accepted the challenge that WomenCount put forward -- by including language that makes it clear that sexism and gender bias has no place in our political process.

Here is what the platform says:

We believe that standing up for our country means standing up against sexism and all intolerance. Demeaning portrayals of women cheapen our debates, dampen the dreams of our daughters, and deny us the contributions of too many. Responsibility lies with us all.

What does that mean?

It means the Democratic Party has begun the process of turning our values into action -- standing up for families, defending our civil rights and strongly denouncing sexism, which sadly continues to be so prevalent throughout our society, and our political process. 

The Democratic Party platform represents a big win for WomenCount - and for women everywhere.  It also represents the beginning of a new effort for us, to make sure that the Party lives up to the goals it has established, and that the Republicans accept similar language in their platform.

(Note: You can download the Democratic Platform here)