International Women's Day

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 26-1020

BY REPRESENTATIVE(S) Ricks and Espenoza, Bacon, Boesenecker, Brown, Camacho, Carter, Clifford, Duran, English, Froelich, Garcia, Gilchrist, Goldstein, Hamrick, Jackson, Joseph, Lieder, Lindsay, Lukens, Mabrey, Martinez, Mauro, McCormick, Nguyen, Paschal, Phillips, Rutinel, Sirota, Smith, Stewart K., Stewart R., Story, Titone, Woodrow, McCluskie; also SENATOR(S) Marchman and Wallace, Amabile, Ball, Benavidez, Bridges, Cutter, Daugherty, Exum, Gonzales J., Hinrichsen, Jodeh, Kipp, Kolker, Lindstedt, Mullica, Roberts, Snyder, Sullivan, Weissman, Coleman.

CONCERNING THE DESIGNATION OF MARCH 8, 2026, AS "INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY" IN COLORADO, AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, ACKNOWLEDGING THE COUNTLESS CONTRIBUTIONS THAT WOMEN HAVE MADE IN HISTORY AND TO CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY.

WHEREAS, March 8 is International Women's Day, a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, and a call to action for advancing gender equality worldwide; and WHEREAS, International Women's Day is an annual celebration to recognize that women have fought hard to secure their rights of suffrage and equal opportunity and to honor the profound and enduring contributions that women have made throughout history in every sphere of life; and 'WHEREAS, Through their contributions to the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor movement, the civil rights movement, and, especially, the peace movement, women have worked to create a more fair and just society for all; and

WHEREAS, Women have played a critical role in shaping history: From warriors to world leaders, artists to activists, educators to entrepreneurs, matrons to mothers, and scientists to social reformers, though their stories are often untold and underrepresented; and WHEREAS, Women and girls contribute to every sector of society and deserve to have their rights and opportunities protected and enhanced, regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or socioeconomic background; and WHEREAS, Throughout history, women have fought tirelessly for equal rights, justice, and recognition, often overcoming systemic obstacles, prejudice, and inequality to create lasting social change, and have exemplified extraordinary courage and resilience by breaking barriers and leaving legacies that continue to inspire generations of women around the world and working tirelessly to ensure that the doors opened by the women who came before us remain open for the next generation of women leaders, thinkers, and changemakers; and WHEREAS, Women have made significant strides in economic empowerment, establishing businesses, securing wealth, and leading industries, while challenging societal norms and expanding economic opportunities for women of all races and backgrounds, and have demonstrated leadership, ingenuity, and persistence in achieving success; and WHEREAS, In 1893, Colorado was one of the first states to give women the right to vote and the first to do so through a voter referendum; and WHEREAS, After women were given the right to vote in Colorado, women across the state campaigned to bring that right to women throughout the rest of the nation; and WHEREAS, Colorado women have always been at the forefront of political and civic engagement, advocating for the rights of all people and shaping state policy, including in 1894, when Colorado made history by electing three women to the Colorado House of Representatives; and

WHEREAS, In 1896, a national survey named Colorado as one of two states that were "banner states" for women's officeholding in the nation; and WHEREAS, Past women of distinction and honorable mention within the Colorado General Assembly include Arie Parks Taylor, the first African American woman elected to the Colorado General Assembly; Polly Baca, the first minority woman and first Latina elected to the Colorado State Senate, the first Latina in the nation to serve in both the House of Representatives and the Senate of her state legislature, and the first Latina to serve in leadership in any state Senate within the United States; and Norma Anderson, the first woman to serve as Majority Leader in both the Colorado House of Representatives and the Colorado State Senate; and

WHEREAS, Women legislators play a vital role in addressing difficult social and economic issues and helping our country and the state of Colorado prepare for the future. Currently, women make up almost sixty percent of the membership of the House of Representatives and a total of fifty-one women serve in the General Assembly, the largest number of women to serve in the legislature in Colorado's history; now, therefore, Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the Seventy-fifth General Assembly ofthe State ofColorado, the Senate concurring herein: (1) That we, the members of the General Assembly, hereby honor the achievements, contributions, and resilience ofwomen throughout history, celebrating the strength, wisdom, and courage of all women who have shaped our world; (2) That we encourage the continued celebration of International Women's Day as a means to reflect on the past, present, and future achievements of women and to inspire ongoing efforts toward a future in which gender equality is fully realized, in which every woman has the opportunity to succeed, and in which the power of women's voices is valued and respected in every corner of Colorado; (3) That we commit to advancing the goals of women's empowerment, education, and equality by continuing to support policies that eliminate barriers to opportunity, recognizing the indispensable role

that women play in building healthy families, thriving economies, vibrant communities, and peaceful societies; (4) That we recognize that, while we have made significant progress, there is much work left to be done to create a world where every woman, regardless of her background, race, or circumstance, has the opportunity to reach her fullest potential, and that we commit to a future in which the contributions of women are valued, celebrated, and reflected in every aspect of society today, tomorrow, and always; and (5) That we, the members of the General Assembly, recognize March 8 as International Women's Day in Colorado and invite the people of this state to explore the critical economic, cultural, and social roles that women have played and continue to play in every sphere of life in Colorado and in the United States.

Julie McCluskie SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

James Rashad Coleman Sr. PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE

Vanessa Reilly CHIEF CLERK OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Esther van Mourik SECRETARY OF THE SENATE