Fiscal Note
No City appropriation required.
Title
Celebrating March 8, 2025, as International Women's Day in the City of Madison
Body
WHEREAS, International Women’s Day serves as a global platform to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of women around the world in various fields such as politics, science, business, literature, arts, sports, and more; and,
WHEREAS, the idea of International Women’s Day goes back to February 1909 in New York City where women socialists and suffragettes proclaimed a day of international solidarity with a prophetic focus on global women’s rights; and,
WHEREAS, the demand for women’s rights continued to grow, gain support, and shine a much-needed light on the poor conditions under which too many women lived and worked; and,
WHEREAS, in the 1960s, the ideal of women’s rights was taken up by a new generation of feminists who called for equal pay, equal economic opportunity, equal legal rights, reproductive rights, subsidized child care, and the prevention of violence against women; and,
WHEREAS, in 1977, the United Nations invited members to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for Women’s Rights and World Peace, and International Women’s Day continues to be celebrated worldwide each year; and,
WHEREAS, the 2025 theme for International Women's Day is ‘Accelerate Action’ for gender equality, which “emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality;” and,
WHEREAS, according to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, approximately five generations from now, to reach full gender parity; and,
WHEREAS, women globally continue to encounter economic, social, and political inequalities, such as wage disparities, lack of representation in leadership roles, obstacles to healthcare access, and gender-based violence; and,
WHEREAS, women of color play a vital role in maintaining the economic stability of their families and communities, performing the essential work that keeps families and communities afloat, and are still paid, on average, less than men and white women; and,
WHEREAS, gender equality and women’s participation in decision making in communities, businesses, government, workplaces, and households is key to well-being, progress, and prosperity for all; and,
WHEREAS, promoting gender equality necessitates structural reforms, proactive policies, and a commitment from all sectors to build a more inclusive and just society; and,
WHEREAS, investing in women is a human rights imperative and a cornerstone for building inclusive societies;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Madison Common Council and Mayor recognize and uplift the critical contributions that women, especially women of color, are making around the world.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Madison Common Council and Mayor recognize and thank all the organizations and individuals who are working towards fulfilling the vision of International Women’s Day to build a better and more equitable world for all women in Madison and beyond.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Madison Common Council and Mayor acknowledge and reaffirm our commitment to the principles of International Women’s Day and commit to this year’s theme of Accelerate Action to achieve gender equality.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that March 8, 2025, is recognized and celebrated as International Women’s Day in the City of Madison.