Senate Resolution No. 509 BY: Senator WEBB MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 8, 2023, as International Women's Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, Each year New York State officially sets aside time to recognize the unique contributions that New York women have made to New York State and beyond; and WHEREAS, New York State has a distinguished history of monumental achievements in the area of women's rights; and WHEREAS, International Women's Day (IWD), recognized annually on March 8th, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women; the day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality; and WHEREAS, This vital day of recognition has occurred for well over a century, with the first International Women's Day gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people; and WHEREAS, Today, International Women's Day belongs to all groups collectively everywhere, and is not country, group or organization specific; and WHEREAS, The theme for International Women's Day 2023 is "Embrace Equity," and encourages all people to actively support and embrace equity within their own sphere of influence; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, individuals are encouraged to strike the IWD 2023 pose, embracing oneself in solidarity and support of challenging gender stereotypes, calling out discrimination, drawing attention to bias, and seeking out inclusion; and WHEREAS, Whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead; knowing that bias exists is not enough; action is needed to level the playing field; and WHEREAS, Collective action and shared ownership for driving gender parity is what makes International Women's Day impactful; celebrating women's achievements and increasing visibility, while calling out inequality, is key to its success; and WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, International Women's Day builds workplaces where women thrive, elevates the visibility of women creatives, promotes women's empowerment worldwide, champions the women forging innovation through technology, elevates women fostering change via technology and sustainability in communities, workplaces and beyond, and empowers women to make informed decisions about their health; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 8, 2023, as International Women's Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.