title
Adopt and present a resolution recognizing International Women’s Day on March 8, 2019 (Supervisor Brown)
body
Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Supervisor Brown requests that the Board of Supervisors adopt and present a resolution recognizing International Women’s Day on March 8, 2019.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. International Women's Day (IWD) has been observed since the early 1900's - a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies.
No one government, Non Governmental Organization (NGO), charity, corporation, academic institution, women's network or media hub is solely responsible for International Women's Day. Many organizations declare an annual IWD theme that supports their specific agenda or cause, and some of these are adopted more widely with relevance than others. The 2019 International Women’s Day theme is “Balance for Better”. A day to appreciate women’s efforts, large and small, coming together to show women just how valuable they are in today’s society.
International Women's Day is about unity, celebration, reflection, advocacy and action - whatever that looks like globally or at a local level. But one thing is for sure, International Women's Day has been occurring for well over a century - and continues to grow.
The Charter of the United Nations (UN), signed in 1945, was the first international agreement to affirm the principle of equality between women and men and since then, the UN has helped create a historic legacy of internationally-agreed strategies, standards, programs and goals to advance the status of women worldwide.
Celebrating International Women’s Day means that Solano County reaffirms its commitment to end discrimination and violence against women and girls, ensure their safety and welfare, pursue policies that guarantee the basic human rights of women and girls worldwide and promote women's participation in every aspect of society and community.
The Board of Supervisors in 2018 established the Solano Commission for Women and Girls which has begun to identify opportunities and needs for women and girls in Solano County while celebrating the successes for women. The Board of Supervisors has and continues to support programs and services for women and girls through various agencies and departments including the Department of Health and Social Services, and under the leadership of the District Attorney, the Office of Family Violence and Solano Partnership Against Violence (SPAV). These departments and various organizations are examples of the Board’s commitment to women and girls, encouraging independence, self-sufficiency and success.
This Resolution reflects, brings attention, and celebrates how far women internationally and locally have come and encourages everyone to take action to continue to advance the success for all.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2018/19 Adopted Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2018/19 Adopted Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt this resolution but that would not be recommended as this gives us the chance to honor the achievements of women.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Solano Commission for Women and Girls, created in 2018, together with Solano Partnership Against Violence (SPAV) and soroptimist organizations throughout Solano County are working to promote and support women’s business successes, contributions, women’s issues and opportunities.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION