Recognizing March 8, 2017 as International Women's Day.

WHEREAS, The earliest Women's Day observance was held on February 28, 1909, in New York. It was organized in remembrance of the 1908 strike of the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union; and

WHEREAS, In August 1910, at the International Women's Conference, delegates (100 women from 17 countries) agreed with the idea of establishing an annual International Women's Day as a strategy to promote equal rights, including suffrage for women; and

WHEREAS, Since its establishment, the celebration of International Women’s Day has only grown. In some countries, it is simply an occasion for people to express their love for women in a way somewhat similar to a mixture of Mother's Day and Valentine's Day. In other countries however, the political and human rights themes designated by the United Nations raise social awareness of the struggles of women worldwide; and

WHEREAS, In February 1994, H.J. Res. 316 was introduced by Rep. Maxine Waters, along with 79 co-sponsors, in an attempt to officially recognize March 8th of that year as International Women's Day. The bill was subsequently referred to, and remained in, the House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service. No vote of either house of Congress was achieved on this piece of legislation; and

WHEREAS, Despite International Women’s Day not being officially recognized in America, many Americans still use this day to highlight the political and social struggles of women in the country and around the world; and

WHEREAS, The U.N. has chosen this year’s International Women’s Day theme as “Be Bold for Change” and they are encouraging everyone - women, men and non-binary people - to be a leader within their own spheres of influence by taking bold, pragmatic action to accelerate gender parity; and

WHEREAS, The U.N. is encouraging individuals to take bold action such as challenging bias and inequality, campaigning against violence, forging women’s advancement, celebrating women’s achievement, and championing women’s education; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes March 8, 2017 as International Women’s Day.

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