House Resolution 37

(By Delegates Brown, Fleischauer, Longstreth,

C. Miller, Moore, Poore and Sobonya)

Designating March 8, 2011, as “International Women’s Day”.

    Whereas, 2011 marks the 100^th anniversary of International Women’s Day; and

    Whereas, The theme for this year is “Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women”; and

    Whereas, The purpose of observing International Women’s Day is 1) to recognize that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms requires the active participation, equality and development of women; and 2) to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security; and

    Whereas, For the women of the world the Day’s symbolism is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development; and

    Whereas, This is also an opportunity to unite, network and mobilize for meaningful change; and

    Whereas, In too many countries and societies, women remain second-class citizens; and

    Whereas, In the words of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, “Where women are educated and empowered, economies are more productive and strong. Where women are fully represented, societies are more peaceful and stable.”; and

    Whereas, According to Michelle Bachelet, Executive Director of UN Women and former President of Chile, “Women’s strength, women’s industry, women’s wisdom are humankind’s greatest untapped resources. The Challenge is to show how this resource can be effectively tapped in ways that benefit us all.”; and

    Whereas, This challenge exists in West Virginia as it does throughout the country and the world; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the House of Delegates:

    That the House of Delegates hereby designates March 8, 2011, as “International Women’s Day”; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the House of Delegates acknowledges the many important contributions women make to the state of West Virginia and across the world.