LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the 1st International Day of Women
and Girls in Science on February 11, 2016

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those organizations within our midst which
have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, A great state is only as great as those organizations that
perform exemplary service in promoting women's issues and Women and
Girls in Science; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to celebrate the
1st International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Thursday, Febru-
ary 11, 2016; and
WHEREAS, The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was
created to honor the aspirations of girls who want to pursue careers in
science and their adult female counterparts who make contributions in
all fields of science; and
WHEREAS, Women who are scientists have for too long not received
recognition for their achievements; and
WHEREAS, Girls need to see women role models in order to find the
encouragement to enter into courses of study which will enable them to
become scientists; girls aspiring to become professionals in the scien-
tific arena are in special need of encouragement, nurturing, and a
gender-sensitive and inclusive environment; and
WHEREAS, The Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT),
under the leadership of its Executive Director, Princess Dr. Nisreen
el-Hashemite, has for over 45 years promoted gender equality, the
concept of "equal pay for equal work" in the scientific fields, and the
importance of girls to dream of careers in any field, but especially in
the sciences and in the teaching of science; and
WHEREAS, The Royal Academy of Science International Trust laid the
groundwork for the permanent mission of Malta to the United Nations (UN)
to lead consultations which resulted in the General Assembly of the UN
establishing February 11th as the International Day of Women and Girls
in Science; and
WHEREAS, The commemoration of the International Day of Women and Girls
in Science has received over four million pledges of support by girls
and women worldwide; the celebration of this auspicious day is expected
to grow exponentially in the years to come; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize that the International Day for Women and Girls in Science is
an event worthy of our highest respect and esteem; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Her Royal Highness Princess Dr. Nisreen el-Hashemite, Execu-
tive Director, the Royal Academy of Science International Trust.