WHEREAS, It wasn't until 1920 that the United States through the 19^th amendment to the constitution, finally gave women the right to vote; and

WHEREAS, Beginning with the suffragette movement in the latter part of the 19^th century, led by Susan B. Anthony and other notable women, American women have been struggling for full equality in all walks of American life; and

WHEREAS, The struggle for women's rights and female equality is not limited to the United States, but is a goal and ideal being sought around the world; and

WHEREAS, The number of women elected to government offices and leadership positions has steadily increased, but there is still so much more to do. Women make up over 50% of the world's population yet hold nowhere near that number of elected, or appointed offices; and

WHEREAS, International Women's Day was founded in 1909, is commemorated at the United Nations, and is designated in many countries as a national holiday; and

WHEREAS, Over the years International Women's Day has signified the rights of women to justice and equality, including the rights to education, and to work, vote and hold public office; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby declares March 8, 2002 to be "International Women's Day" in Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Senator Hannah Gallo.