P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS, in the month of March, the City of Torrance will celebrate the accomplishments and the countless ways women of every race, class, and ethnic background have contributed to the strength of this Nation through their leadership and dedication in fields includ ing education, medicine, government, business, law, military service and every other field; and
WHEREAS, Women’s History Month grew out of a weeklong celebration of women’s contributions organized by the Sonoma School District in California in 1978 and became a national celebration in 1981 when Congress authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week of March 7, 1982, as “Women’s History Week; and
WHEREAS, in 1987 , after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Presidents ever since have issued annual proclamations celebrating the contributions and achievements women have made over the course of American history; and
WHEREAS, the 2026 Women’s History Month theme, as identified by the National Women’s History Alliance, highlights the vital role women play in shaping a sustainable future. This theme honors women who are “leading sustainability efforts across environmental, econom ic, educational, and social justice movements” and celebrates the leadership of women whose efforts inspire collaboration, innovation, and lasting progress; and
WHEREAS, while much as been accomplished in the United States with respect to gender parity, women in other countries still face cultural, legal, economic, and social challenges. These women should not be forgotten nor should their achievements to bring about socia l changes; and
WHEREAS, the City of Torrance has been fortunate to have many women who have or currently serve in key leadership positions in various industries. This includes former mayors, Katy Geissert and Dee Hardison as well as many other women who have or currently serve on this council as well as on City committees and commissions.
6C
NOW, THEREFORE, I, G EORGE K. CHEN , as Mayor of the City of Torrance, California, do hereby proclaim March 2026 as:
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
in the City of Torrance and encourage residents to celebrate and honor the women who make a difference in your life and continue to support and recognize women in leadership roles.
Signed this 3rd day of March 2026.
________________________
Mayor George K. Chen
________________________________ ________________________________ Councilmember Jeremy Gerson Councilmember Bridgett Lewis
________________________________ ________________________________ Councilmember Jon Kaji Councilmember Aurelio Mattucci
________________________________ ________________________________ Councilmember Sharon Kalani Councilmember Asam Sheikh
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Rebecca Poirier, City Clerk