Resolution 100143

..Title Proclaiming March 8, 2010 as "International Women's Day." ..Body The City Council of Philadelphia designates March 8, 2010 as "International Women's Day", in Philadelphia and encourages women from all around the world to come together and celebrate International Women's Day through political rallies, business conferences, government activities, networking events such as local women's craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades, and more. WHEREAS, International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future; and WHEREAS, In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women's Day is a national holiday; and WHEREAS, International Women's Day has been observed since in the early 1900's, as a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies; and WHEREAS, Great unrest and critical debate was occurring amongst women, and women's oppression and inequality was spurring women to become more vocal and active in campaigning for change; and WHEREAS, In 1908, 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay, and voting rights; and WHEREAS, In accordance with a declaration by the Socialist Party of America, the first National Woman's Day was observed across the United States on the 28th of February and continued to until the last Sunday of February in 1913; and WHEREAS, Every year on the 8th of March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements; and WHEREAS, A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities, and networking events through to local women's craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades, and more; and WHEREAS, International Women's Day may be a day of global celebration but there is no room for complacency as women continue to face inequity on many fronts; now therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, That Philadelphia designates March 8, 2010 as "International Women's Day," in Philadelphia. ..End