File #: Res 0709-2011    Version: * Name: Declaring the 8th day of March of every year as International Women’s Day (IWD) in the City of New York.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Intergroup Relations
On agenda: 3/23/2011
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution declaring the 8th day of March of every year as International Women’s Day (IWD) in the City of New York.
Sponsors: Letitia James, Inez E. Dickens, Daniel Dromm , Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, Lewis A. Fidler, G. Oliver Koppell, Karen Koslowitz, Brad S. Lander, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Rosie Mendez, Domenic M. Recchia, Jr., James G. Van Bramer, Jumaane D. Williams, Stephen T. Levin, Peter A. Koo
Council Member Sponsors: 15
Res. No. 709
 
 
Resolution declaring the 8th day of March of every year as International Women's Day (IWD) in the City of New York.     
 
 
By Council Members James, Dickens, Dromm, Ferreras, Fidler, Koppell, Koslowitz, Lander, Mark-Viverito, Mendez, Recchia, Van Bramer, Williams, Levin and Koo
 
Whereas, International Women's Day (IWD) was first observed in 1911, at a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world; and
Whereas, The first celebrations were rooted in issues such as the calls for suffrage, for improvements to women's working conditions and the right for women to hold public office; and
Whereas, As time passed, IWD also became a mechanism for a peace movement with Russian women demonstrating for "bread and peace" in 1917; and
Whereas, As IWD grew in popularity it continued to be celebrated in many countries around the world as a day when women are recognized for their achievements and solidarity for one another; and
Whereas, In 1975, during International Women's Year, the United Nations began celebrating International Women's Day on March 8; and
Whereas, Since that time, each IWD has grown in scope and is even considered a public holiday in some countries; and
Whereas, Previous IWD themes have included issues such as equal rights, investing in women's and girls' growth and development, calls to cease impunity for violent acts against women and girls, and recognizing women and the peace process; and  
Whereas, Despite the gains made by women since 1911, there are still many women worldwide living in poverty without access to proper healthcare or education; and
Whereas, Although, there have been great achievements by women since the first celebration of IWD, such as numerous women serving in elective offices and running large corporations, there are still far too many women confronting violence, including abuse, rape and domestic violence; and
Whereas, IWD is marked worldwide as a day to honor women, celebrate their achievements, unite them in their struggles and give voices to those who may not otherwise be heard; and  
Whereas, March 8, 2011 marked the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day and New York City should add its voice to formally acknowledge this occasion; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York declares the 8th day of March of every year as International Women's Day (IWD) in the City of New York.   
 
JP
LS 916
3/17/11