R 078

2003 -- S 0921

Enacted 03/05/03

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

DECLARING MARCH 8, 2003 "INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY" IN RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senators Gallo, Paiva-Weed, Sosnowski, Felag, and Goodwin

Date Introduced: March 05, 2003

     WHEREAS, It wasn’t until 1920 that the United States through the 19th amendment to

the constitution, finally gave women the right to vote; and

     WHEREAS, Beginning with the suffragette movement in the latter part of the 19th

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, 2003 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 the Rhode Island League of Women Voters.

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LC02126

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