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A RESOLUTION recognizing March 2024 as Kentucky Women's History Month 1
throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 2
WHEREAS, March is National Women's History Month across the nation, and 3
spreads awareness to educate citizens about the importance of women in the history of 4
the United States; and 5
WHEREAS, throughout the history of the United States and our Commonwealth, 6
whether in the home, the workplace, schools, the courts, the legislature, and in peace and 7
in wartime, women have fought for themselves, their families, and the common good of 8
all people; and 9
WHEREAS, women have served an instrumental role in the establishment of early 10
charitable, philanthropic, and cultural institutions throughout the United States; and 11
WHEREAS, this month, we celebrate women who have served as leaders in 12
securing the rights of suffrage and equal opportunity, the abolitionist movement, the 13
emancipation movement, the industrial labor movement, the civil rights movement, and 14
pursuit of endeavors to create a fair and just society for all; and 15
WHEREAS, continuing on the path forged by brave women of past generations, 16
women are able to stand on the shoulders of the sung and unsung trailblazers to be 17
leaders in the forefront of social change, business, science, government, math, art, 18
literature, music, film, athletics, and the ability to enter any field that they wish to pursue; 19
and 20
WHEREAS, women comprise over 50 percent of the population of our 21
Commonwealth, and now represent 69 percent of the labor force, yet they are 22
compensated on average 79 percent of what men in Kentucky receive in earnings; and 23
WHEREAS, once barred from attending medical school, today women are enrolling 24
at higher rates than men. Previously unable to pursue entrance to law school, women now 25
comprise at least half of the law school students across the nation; and 26
WHEREAS, there are a historic number of women currently serving in the 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2470
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Kentucky General Assembly and across state government. Women across Kentucky 1
serve as leaders in our businesses, labor force, local governments, and communities; and 2
WHEREAS, despite the myriad of invaluable contributions to our society, the role 3
of women in history has been consistently overlooked and undervalued in literature, 4
history, and the access to opportunities. Women's History Month provides a time to 5
recognize the ability and value of women and the chance to address inequities that 6
challenge current and future generations; and 7
WHEREAS, Governor Edward Breathitt commissioned a study to report on the 8
status of Kentucky women, and the April 1964 findings pronounced the need for a 9
permanent agency to promote the improvement of the status of women in Kentucky. In 10
1968, Governor Louie Nunn answered the call and by executive order established the 11
Kentucky Commission on Women. In 1970, the General Assembly created the permanent 12
statutory commission and provided appropriation through legislative action; and 13
WHEREAS, in 1978, the Kentucky Commission on Women started a campaign to 14
bring attention and awareness to outstanding women that have made significant and 15
profound contributions to the history of our Commonwealth; and 16
WHEREAS, the project was an exhibit at the 1978 Kentucky State Fair called, 17
"Kentucky Women Excel," providing the opportunity for tens of thousands of 18
Kentuckians and visitors from far and wide to view the watercolor portraits of six women 19
from various backgrounds who worked in nontraditional ways during the different eras; 20
and 21
WHEREAS, after almost 20 years as a traveling project, "Kentucky Women 22
Remembered" found a permanent home in the first floor of the New State Capitol where 23
the portraits of women of historical significance could be displayed along with the statues 24
and busts of men; and 25
WHEREAS, while the Commission on Women has been without an appropriation 26
since July 2018, the members of the Commission on Women remain dedicated to the 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 24 RS BR 2470
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agency mission of elevating the status of women and girls in the Commonwealth, 1
empowering them to overcome barriers to equity, and expanding opportunities to achieve 2
their fullest potential; and 3
WHEREAS, the national theme for National Women's History Month in 2024 is 4
"Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion," to recognize women who 5
understand and recognize the need to eliminate bias and discrimination from our lives 6
and institutions to ensure a positive future; and 7
WHEREAS, Kentucky succeeds when women are supported, acknowledged, and 8
given a seat at the table to break barriers, build ladders, construct bridges, defend 9
freedoms, foster healing and hope, and make history in seen and unseen ways every day; 10
and 11
WHEREAS, is it appropriate for this body and all citizens in this Commonwealth to 12
acknowledge the profound impact of women in the vitality of Kentucky's economy, 13
education, and culture; and 14
WHEREAS, by recognizing March 2024 as Kentucky Women's History Month, the 15
members of the Senate commend the women of this Commonwealth and offer our 16
gratitude for their ongoing sacrifice, courage, and diligence to create a better state and 17
nation; 18
NOW, THEREFORE, 19
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 20
Kentucky: 21
Section 1. The members of the Senate, both individually and collectively, 22
hereby recognize March 2024 as Kentucky Women's History Month. 23
Section 2. When the Senate adjourns this day, it does so in honor and 24
recognition of Kentucky Women's History Month. 25
Section 3. The Clerk of the Senate shall transmit a copy of this Resolution to 26
Senator Gerald Neal. 27