HomeMy WebLinkAboutHR Women’s History MonthCity of San Rafael
Proclamation in Recognition of
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
MARCH 1 – 31, 2025
WHEREAS, women of every race, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and
background have contributed to the growth and strength of San Rafael
in countless recorded and unrecorded ways, playing critical economic,
cultural, and social roles throughout the community; and
WHEREAS, each year, Women’s History Month offers a vital opportunity to celebrate
and reflect on the remarkable contributions of American women and
girls who have shaped our nation’s history, strengthened its
foundations, and inspired future generations with their resilience and
achievements; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 Women’s History Month theme “Moving Forward Together!
Women Educating & Inspiring Generations” celebrates the collective
strength and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to
education, mentorship, and leadership, and have served as an
inspiration for all generations — both past and present; and
WHEREAS, throughout history, women have demonstrated leadership, innovation,
and ingenuity, making groundbreaking contributions across all fields,
including science, medicine, technology, business, politics,
entrepreneurship, and the arts, often overcoming systemic barriers and
societal challenges to achieve greatness; and
WHEREAS, women in the United States of America have been leaders not only in
securing their own rights of suffrage and equal opportunity but also in
the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial
labor movement, the civil rights movement, the LGBTQ rights
movement, and the peace movement, which promote a more fair and just
society for all; and
WHEREAS, the celebration of Women’s History Month may be traced back to
International Women’s Day in 1911 and the advocacy Bay Area women
including Laura X who founded the Women’s History Research Center
in Berkeley, and Molly Murphy MacGregor, Mary Ruthsdotter, Maria
Cuevas, Paula Hammett, and Bette Morgan who formed the National
Women’s History Project (which would later become the National
Women’s History Alliance) in 1980 in Sonoma County with the goal of
“writing women back into history” and expanding the concept of
Women’s History Week nationally; and
Agenda item 4.f
WHEREAS, in 1987, the National Women’s History Alliance successfully
campaigned the United States Congress to pass legislation recognizing
March as Women’s History Month; and
WHEREAS, women make up nearly 51% of the U.S. population, about a third of
workers in the county’s 10 highest-paying occupations (35%) are women,
and that women-owned businesses contribute significantly to our
economy—accounting for over 39% of U.S. businesses (14 million firms)
and add $1.8 trillion to America’s gross domestic product every year;
and
WHEREAS, there remains a collective responsibility to support women of all ages,
ensuring equitable opportunities and access to resources and fostering
environments conducive to their personal and professional growth and
well-being.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Rafael
hereby proclaim March 1 - 31, 2025, as Women’s History Month, recognizes the many
accomplishments women have historically achieved and the many ongoing contributions
they make to our society and our local community across Marin County and San Rafael.
Kate Colin
Mayor
