REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of March 2026 as Women’s History Month
Report
BACKGROUND
The origins of Women’s History Month dates 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 the 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 month also features International Women's Day on March 8, when marches and events around the world will celebrate and advocate gender equality.
The 2026 Women's History Month theme is "Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” This theme honors women who are driving sustainable transformation across environmental, economic, and social sectors, creating a more equitable future
DISCUSSION
At the March 10, 2026, 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.
Gabrielle Pitre, a 2024-25 Hackworth Fellow from Santa Clara University’s Markkula Center for Applied Ethics will be present to receive the proclamation.
As a Hackworth Fellow, Gabrielle conducted research on the role of the Catholic Church in the institution of American slavery and how Black Catholics such as her own family reconcile this complicated history. Through this research fellowship, Gabrielle has continued to grow her knowledge of how ethics plays a role in the politics of our nation, and in turn, positively impacts the lives of individuals and communities.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an information 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: Aimee Escobar, Management Analyst, City Manager’s Office
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proclamation of March 2026 as Women’s History Month