Senate Resolution No. 1705

BY: Senator ADDABBO

MEMORIALIZING the Governor Kathy Hochul to
proclaim March 10, 2026, as International Day of
Women Judges in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pause to
recognize observances that promote justice, equality, and the rule of
law, and to honor those whose service strengthens democratic
institutions; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 10, 2026, as
International Day of Women Judges in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, The United Nations General Assembly, by consensus
resolution adopted in 2021, proclaimed March 10 of each year as the
International Day of Women Judges, first observed worldwide in 2022, to
recognize the critical role of women in judicial systems and to promote
the full and equal participation of women at all levels of the
judiciary; and

WHEREAS, The International Day of Women Judges highlights the
importance of gender equality within courts and legal institutions and
recognizes that women's representation in the judiciary enhances public
confidence, strengthens accountability, and contributes to fair and
inclusive decision-making; and

WHEREAS, Women judges bring diverse professional and lived
experiences that enrich judicial deliberation, improve access to
justice, and help ensure that courts reflect and serve the communities
whose rights they safeguard; and

WHEREAS, Despite meaningful progress, women remain underrepresented
in many judicial leadership positions around the world, underscoring the
continued need to advance opportunities, mentorship, and equitable
pathways within the legal profession; and

WHEREAS, The presence and leadership of women in judicial roles
promotes transparency, integrity, and trust in legal systems, and
inspires future generations to pursue careers dedicated to justice and
public service; and

WHEREAS, The State of New York has long been a national leader in
advancing equal justice under law and recognizes the invaluable
contributions of women judges who serve with distinction across town and
village courts, family courts, criminal and civil courts, the Supreme
Court, appellate divisions, federal courts, and specialized tribunals,
ensuring that justice is administered with fairness, impartiality, and
compassion; and

WHEREAS, Increased representation of women on the bench promotes
public confidence in judicial institutions by ensuring that courts

better reflect the diversity, experiences, and perspectives of the
communities they serve; and

WHEREAS, Studies and institutional experience demonstrate that
diverse judicial leadership strengthens deliberation, enhances
legitimacy, and improves access to justice, particularly for
historically underserved populations; and

WHEREAS, New York has been home to pioneering women jurists whose
leadership has advanced equal protection, civil rights, family law
reform, and procedural fairness, inspiring generations of attorneys and
public servants to pursue careers dedicated to justice; and

WHEREAS, Despite significant progress, women, particularly women of
color, continue to face structural barriers within the legal profession
and judiciary, underscoring the importance of mentorship, equitable
appointment and election opportunities, and institutional support for
professional advancement; and

WHEREAS, Observing International Day of Women Judges affirms New
York's commitment to promoting gender equality, strengthening judicial
independence, and supporting initiatives that encourage women and girls
to pursue careers in law and public service; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing the achievements of women judges also serves to
honor their enduring contributions to fairness, accountability, and the
continued evolution of a justice system that serves all people equally;
and

WHEREAS, Observing International Day of Women Judges provides an
opportunity to reaffirm a shared commitment to fairness, equal
representation, and the continued strengthening of judicial institutions
for the benefit of all people; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 10, 2026, as
International Day of Women Judges in the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York, and judicial organizations, bar associations, and institutions
dedicated to advancing equality and excellence within the judiciary.