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

WHEREAS, International Women’s Day is a global observance of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, marking a call to action to accelerate gender equality, and to honor the contributions of women worldwide; and

WHEREAS, International Women’s Day was launched in Denmark in 1911, as a day to rally for the rights of women to work, to vote, to be trained and to hold public office, and to end gender oppression and discrimination against women; and

WHEREAS, Since its recognition by the United Nations in 1975, International Women’s Day has become an annual occasion to uplift and empower women and girls, to honor their achievements and to safeguard their futures, to promote women’s equality and rights, and to showcase organizations that prioritize the well-being of women; and

WHEREAS, In 2026, we celebrate the 115th observance of International Women’s Day, adopting the annual theme Give to Gain, to encourage a mindset of generosity and collaboration, and a step forward in solidarity to help accelerate equality for the 170 million women in the United States,; and billion women worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Throughout our history, the State of Rhode Island, and its ancestral lands, have been enriched by the legacies of many of its female citizens, from its respected th century female sachems, to its th century women of business and invention, its th century trailblazers in industry and society, and its th century leaders and decision makers; and

WHEREAS, In 2026, we recognize the th observance of Women’s History Month with a theme Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future, one that encompasses financial sustainability, community resilience, leadership succession, and intergenerational equity; and

WHEREAS, The women of the st century are designing blueprints for sustainable transformation, in the development of green technologies, advancing economic justice, strengthening education systems, and building civic power; and

WHEREAS, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island desires to carry forward these traditions, encouraging all citizens to learn about the contributions of women to American history, and to support a path forward for those who desire to shape a positive future for the benefit of all citizens; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby recognizes March 8, 2026, as “International Women’s Day” and the month of March as “Women’s History Month” 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 J. McKee, Governor of the State of Rhode Island.