"Our survival as a species is dependent on women taking charge,” Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) told a gathering at a campaign fundraiser earlier this month.

She made the comment before introducing Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, who was among those attending the Schakowsky fundraiser dubbed ”The Ultimate Women’s Power Lunch” on May 3.

“Today I’m going to take a big leap over all of the many specific challenges we’re facing, some of which you’ll hear about from the incomparable Cecile Richards, to suggest a more comprehensive solution, Schakowsky said. “Today I am asserting that humanity is at a crossroads on this small planet and that our survival as a species is dependent on women taking charge, taking the world in our own hands.”

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“I really do believe that we are at a tipping point from which there could be no turning back -- a turning point that the traditional male hierarchy of the world ignores at their own peril. A peril that puts us all in the unacceptable danger -- actually of extinction, so let us begin the era of the woman.”

The “Ultimate Women’s Power Lunch” is Rep. Schakowsky’s annual campaign fundraising event, now in it’s twelfth year.