Proclamation
Whereas, in March we celebrate W omen’s History Month to recognize the countless women in American history who fought for equ ality, justice, and opportunity, and to overcome systemic barriers to full and equal participation in society; and
Whereas, the 2023 theme of Women’s History Month is, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” a tribute to the ceaseless work of female caregivers and frontline workers during the COVID- 19 pandemic, and in recognition of all the ways women of all cultures have pr ovided healing and hope throughout history, and continue to do so; and
Whereas, through hardships and discrimination, women have worked to open doors for future generations of girls to become doctors, entrepreneurs, educators, artists, scientists, first responders, service members, trade workers, and more; and
Whereas, we applaud organizations that bring women together to c reate space for women to develop careers, earn degrees, and take on leadership roles; and
Whereas, despite continuing to face unequal treatment and mistreatment, women have shattered glass ceilings and now serve in the most male-dominated fields. Locally, Alameda’s Public Works staff includes a woman Director, and women construction workers, engineers, project managers, and inspectors; and
Whereas, more than 200,000 women comprise 16% of our nation’s armed forces, and more than 2 million women are Veterans and also the fastest growing segment of the Veteran population; and
Whereas, there is still much work to do to close wage and opportunity gaps that have changed very little over the last two decades. In the United States, the world’s richest economy, women earn $.82 for every dollar earned by a man and gender parity is not expected until 2081; and
Whereas, women continue to have lower representation in high-paying jobs and spend more time than men performing unpaid household work and providing child and elder care . During the COVID-19 pandemic, women lost jobs, suffered pay cuts, and had increased childcare obligations; and
Whereas, despite these obstacles, women continue to march forward. The City of Alameda is very capably represented by women in the United States Senate and Congress, California State Senate and Assembly, and in local government, including the Alameda City Council and Alameda Unified School District Board of Education. More than 60% of the City’s Executive Team are also women, including City Manager Jennifer Ott.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that I, Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor of the City of Alameda, hereby declare March 2023 as
Women’s History Month
in the City of Alameda.
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft
Mayor