With an nod to the theme for this year’s celebration, the Metropolitan King County Council today declared the month of March Women’s History Month in King County and encouraged county residents to participate in events and learn more about the significant role women have played throughout our history.

The theme for the 2010 celebration, “Writing Women Back into History,” recognizes the depth and breadth of women’s achievements, from ecology to art, from sports to politics.

“The contributions of women have shaped our society and our lives in very positive ways,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague. “It is imperative that we constantly remember their great works and how they have shaped the lives of future generations.”

“The history of women often goes unnoticed and rarely makes the spotlight in our daily conscience,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson. “This proclamation ensures our continued recognition of these women, many of whom we live and work alongside today, who have demonstrated the courage to pave new paths and create a vision of what is possible for all of us to achieve.”

“Washington state has a proud history of supporting and promoting women in government,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “For 12 years, from 1993 to 2004, Washington State ranked Number One in the nation for the percentage of women legislators. I had the honor of serving in the state House of Representatives during this period, when more than 40 percent of the lawmakers were women. We made many strides to open issues and policies to more voices. Now, 10 of our 39 mayors in King County are women.”

“We have a very long history of strong women leaders in King County,” said Councilmember Jan Drago. “Whether its elected leaders or business leaders, champions of the arts or community advocates, famous figures or the everyday average woman, we owe a lot to those women, past and present, who work tirelessly everyday to make King County a better place to live.”

Congress recognized “Women’s History Week” in 1981 to celebrate the significant role of women in American history and contemporary society. In 1987, Congress expanded “Women’s History Week” to “Women History Month.”

The Proclamation

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, women of every race, ethnic and socioeconomic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of King County, Washington State, our nation, and the global community; and

WHEREAS, these contributions have been critical to the growth and development of our economy, our cultural and artistic achievements, our social advancement, and all areas of accomplishment; and

WHEREAS, 2010 marks the 162nd anniversary of the Women's Rights Movement, which served as the impetus by which many women's rights were secured; and

WHEREAS, despite the innumerable contributions women have made and continue to make, there is much more to be known about the enormous impact women have had on our collective national history and on the success we all enjoy in the present day; and

WHEREAS, each year since 1987, March has been designated Women's History Month in our nation, and the President of the United States has proclaimed March to be National Women's History Month; and

WHEREAS, King County has observed March as Women’s History Month in our region since 1998 and recognizes the many contributions women have made to the workforce, government, and community;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Metropolitan King County Council and King County Executive Dow Constantine, proclaim March 2010 to be

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

in King County and encourage all residents to participate in ceremonies and events to commemorate and honor women for their countless contributions to our government, community, and nation, and to learn more about the significant role women have played in our history.

DATED this First day of March, 2010.