Title
To declare March 8, 2013, to be International Women's Day in Columbus, and to address the social, economic and political barriers still facing women while celebrating their achievements and the progress that has been made in support of women's equality.
Body
WHEREAS, In 1911, International Women's Day was first observed in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland and continues to be celebrated across the globe as a testament to the enduring strength, bravery and zeal of women both past and present; and
WHEREAS, we celebrate the progress that women have made while remaining vigilant of the areas in which progress can and should be made; and
WHEREAS, women's access to education, health care and paid labor has improved, and legislation promising equal opportunities for women and respect for their human rights has been adopted in many countries; and
WHEREAS, we cannot rest, however, until our mothers, sisters and daughters secure their rightful place as full and equal partners in a just, peaceful and civil society at home and abroad; and
WHEREAS, the Center for Women's Advancement, Inc. serves Somali women and girls in the United States and the Horn of Africa, offering the tools needed to secure prosperous lives and healthy relationships at all levels of society; and
WHEREAS, we observe International Women's Day to recognize the social, economic and political barriers that have been overcome, address those that persist, and continue to work toward the day when women's equality has been fully realized,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council celebrates the vital role that women have played throughout history and remains fully committed to a world in which women's equality is no longer a goal but a reality, and does hereby declare March 8, 2013, to be International Women's Day in Columbus.