REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclaim March 2024 as Women’s History Month
Report
BACKGROUND
The origins of Women’s History Month date back to 1978 in Santa Rosa, California. Sonoma County’s Commission on the Status of Women planned a Women’s History Week on the week of March 8, 1978 to correspond with International Women’s Day. The event inspired groups to lobby for an annual National Women’s History Week. In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8, 1980, as National Women’s History Week. In the same year, the United States Congress passed a resolution to recognize the week. In 1987, after having been petitioned to expand the week to an entire month, Congress passed Public Law 100-9 designating March of 1987 as the first Women’s History Month.
The 2024 theme for Women’s History Month is “Women who advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion.” The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination from our lives and institutions.
DISCUSSION
At the March 5, 2024 City Council meeting, the City Council will proclaim Women’s History Month in Santa Clara to recognize and honor women, past and present, who have been influential in communities and encourage women to continue to tell their stories. Representatives from the Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative will be present to receive the proclamation.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an informative report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Fiona Kirby, Management Analyst, City Manager’s Office
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Proclamation for Women’s History Month