Recognizing March 8, 2026, as "International Women's Day" in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, International Women's Day has been observed since the early 1900s, at a time when women's oppression and inequality were spurring women to become more vocal, active, and demanding of change; and

WHEREAS, The first National Women's Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, during which women protested and demanded shorter work hours, better pay, and voting rights; and

WHEREAS, In 1911, the first countries to honor International Women's Day were Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with more than one million women and men attending International Women's Day rallies, demanding women's rights including the right to work, vote, and hold public office, and to put an end to discrimination in general; and

WHEREAS, In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed March th as International Women's Day throughout the world, a day that is celebrated in the United States and globally; and

WHEREAS, International Women's Day has grown exponentially, nationally and internationally, in both developed and developing countries alike; and

WHEREAS, The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2026 is "Give to Gain", which focuses on generous giving of knowledge, support, resources and time, in order to advance women's empowerment and accelerate gender equality; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes March 8, 2026, as "International Women's Day" in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Honorable Daniel McKee, Governor of the State of Rhode Island.