LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION recognizing March 2010 as Women's History Month
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge and
celebrate individuals and events of historic significance which add
vitality, sensitivity, understanding and inspiration to the diversity
and value of this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to recognize
March 2010 as Women's History Month in the State of New York, and to
recognize March 8th as International Women's Day; and
WHEREAS, Each year, the month of March is designated as Women's Histo-
ry Month and March 8th is observed as International Women's Day; and
WHEREAS, New York State officially sets aside time every year to
recognize the unique and varied contributions that women have made to
New York and its society; and
WHEREAS, New York has been the home of many extraordinary women who
have led society to a better future: Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B.
Anthony led the campaign for women's suffrage; Sojourner Truth spoke out
for the abolition of slavery and for suffrage for women; suffragist
Carrie Chapman Catt became the first president of the League of Women
Voters; Emma Willard opened the first endowed institution for the educa-
tion of women; Civil War surgeon Dr. Mary E. Walker was the only woman
ever awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor; Harriet Tubman was an
abolitionist who led slaves to freedom by way of the Underground Rail-
road; in the 19th Century, Elizabeth Blackwell and Belva Lockwood were
the first women in the fields of medicine and law; pioneer birth control
educator and advocate Margaret Sanger established a research center in
New York City; Emma Goldman founded the Free Speech League which led to
the American Civil Liberties Union; humanitarian Eleanor Roosevelt
served as United States Delegate to the United Nations; civil rights
lawyer and New York State Senator Constance Baker Motley became the
first black woman to sit on the U.S. District Court in New York, and so
many more known and unknown women who championed rights and opportunity
for all; and
WHEREAS, Since 1983, New York women legislators have worked though the
bipartisan Legislative Women's Caucus to improve the representation and
participation of women in all areas of government, support issues that
affect women and families in New York State, and provide a network of
support for the women in the state legislature; and
WHEREAS, Today, 51 women serve in the New York State Legislature,
holding leadership positions in both houses and bringing the diverse
experiences of women into law and public policy; and
WHEREAS, Women of every economic, ethnic and religious background have
made significant contributions that are reflected in our cultural,
social, educational, industrial and economic diversity, and have
contributed in many ways, as writers, educators, scientists, heads of
state, politicians, civil rights crusaders, artists, entertainers, busi-
nesswomen, military personnel, aviators, entrepreneurs, philanthropists,
health professionals, engineers, religious leaders, judges, lawyers, law
enforcement personnel, athletes, mothers, nurturers and the building
blocks of our communities; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to recognize that this great
Empire State is the home to countless women who are strong and colorful
threads, vital to the fabric of our rich heritage, who have contributed,
and continue to add, to the advancement of our culture through their
traditional and non-traditional roles in society; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize March 2010 as Women's History Month in the State of New York;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Legislative Women's Caucus of New York State.