P.L. 2022, jr.1001 (AJR140)

A Joint Resolution permanently designating March 8th as “International Women’s Day” in New Jersey.

Whereas, “International Women’s Day” commemorates the role of ordinary women in making a difference in history, and is rooted in the global, centuries-old struggle of women to fully participate in society on an equal footing with men; and

Whereas, The idea of a “Women’s Day” first emerged as the result of various labor and suffrage movements in North America and Europe in the early twentieth century; and

Whereas, In 1910, at an international meeting in Copenhagen with over 100 women present from 17 countries, “Women’s Day” was established to honor the movement for women’s rights and assist in achieving universal suffrage for women; and

Whereas, As a result of a decision made at the Copenhagen meeting, “International Women’s Day” was designated for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland on March 19, 1911; and

Whereas, The United Nations celebrated its first official “International Women’s Day” on March 8, 1975, the same year that was proclaimed “International Women’s Year”; and

Whereas, Gender equality is a fundamental human right, and the full participation of women in every aspect of society is integral in solving the world’s most threatening social, economic, and political problems; and

Whereas, The theme of this year’s “International Women’s Day,” “Break the Bias” calls on the global community to focus its attention on accelerating gender parity, to challenge inequality in all areas of life, and to take meaningful action on creating a more equitable and inclusive world; and

Whereas, Healthy women are the backbone of a thriving, stable, and resilient society; and

Whereas, The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic further exacerbated the gender inequalities and health disparities women experience in their everyday lives and introduced new challenges that are unprecedented to society at large; and

Whereas, For example, findings from a study conducted by the United Nations indicate that the pandemic will add approximately 47 million to the staggering pool of 435 million women living in extreme poverty, and in December 2020, United States labor statistics show that women lost 156,000 jobs while men gained 16,000 jobs in the same period; and

Whereas, New Jersey has been at the forefront of fighting for women’s equality and the reduction of health disparities among women, particularly women of color and those of lower socio-economic status; and

Whereas, “International Women’s Day” is a time to raise public awareness of the inequity in women’s health in New Jersey, to begin efforts to improve such inequities, and to encourage all women to prioritize their health and well-being; and

Whereas, “International Women’s Day” is celebrated by countries around the globe to celebrate the past, present, and future achievements of women as well as the obstacles women continue to face in their struggle for equal rights and gender parity; and

Whereas, It is proper and fitting to permanently designate March 8th as “International Woman’s Day” in the State of New Jersey in order to reflect on the progress made in, and to reaffirm the world’s commitment to, pursuing strategies that guarantee the basic human rights of women and girls, to promote the meaningful and significant participation of women in all aspects of society, to encourage equitable access to health care for all women and girls, and to support policy initiatives that seek to achieve gender equality and empower women worldwide; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. March 8th shall be permanently designated as “International Women’s Day” in the State of New Jersey in order to reflect on the progress made in, and to reaffirm the world’s commitment to, pursuing strategies that guarantee the basic human rights of women and girls, to promote the meaningful and significant participation of women in all aspects of society, to encourage equitable access to health care for all women and girls, and to support policy initiatives that seek to achieve gender equality and empower women worldwide.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing March 8th in New Jersey calling upon public officials, the citizens of the State, and other interested groups to observe the week with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution permanently designates “International Women’s Day” in the State of New Jersey in order to reflect on the progress made in, and to reaffirm the world’s commitment to, pursuing strategies that guarantee the basic human rights of women and girls, to promote the meaningful and significant participation of women in all aspects of society, to encourage equitable access to health care for all women and girls, and to support policy initiatives that seek to achieve gender equality and empower women worldwide.

Permanently designates March 8th as “International Women’s Day” in New Jersey.