Mayor's Office

March 8th has been international Women’s Day since 1975 when it was first celebrated by the United Nations. Since then many communities including Madison have made it a tradition to locally declare March 8th as International Women’s Day, recognizing the amazing contributions women have made to our community in the face of historical and continued oppression and marginalization. See this year’s resolution declaring March 8th as International Women’s Day in Madison Wisconsin below: 

WHEREAS, the idea of International Women’s Day goes back to February 1909 in New York City where women socialists and suffragettes proclaimed a day of international solidarity with a prophetic focus on global women’s rights; and,

WHEREAS, in 1910, one hundred women delegates from 17 countries advanced the idea as a means to continue promoting the rights of women, including suffrage - the right to vote; and

WHEREAS, the demand for women’s rights continued to grow, gain support, and shine a much-needed light on the poor conditions under which too many women live and work. In the 1960s, the ideal of women’s rights was taken up by a new generation of feminists who called for equal pay, equal economic opportunity, equal legal rights, reproductive rights, subsidized child care and the prevention of violence against women; and

WHEREAS, the United Nations began celebrating International Women’s Day in 1975, which was declared “International Women’s Year.” In 1977, the United Nations invited members to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for Women’s Rights and World Peace, and International Women’s Day continues to be celebrated worldwide each year on March 8; and

WHEREAS, women of color play a vital role in maintaining the economic stability of their families and communities, performing the essential work that keep families and communities afloat and are still paid, on average, less than men and white women; and

WHEREAS, the 2023 theme for International Women's Day is #Embrace Equity, which is intended to "get the world talking about Why equal opportunities aren't enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action"; and,

WHEREAS, local organizations including Africaide, University of Wisconsin 4W Women and Wellbeing Initiative, and Senegambia Women's Association celebrated International Women's Day on Saturday, March 4, bringing together women in Madison and Wisconsin;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Madison Common Council and Mayor recognize and uplift the critical contributions women, and especially women of color, are making around the world.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Madison Common Council and Mayor recognize the strength of every woman and believe that together we can fulfill the century-old vision of the International Women’s Day Founders to stand firmly together to build a better, more equitable and more peaceful world.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that March 8, 2023, is recognized and celebrated as International Women’s Day in the City of Madison.