HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-21 ProclamationAttachments:International Womens Day - Womens History Month proclamation.doc
Item Number: 3.a.
February 21, 2023
International Women's Day and Women's History Month
City of Iowa City
PROCLAMATION
Whereas, March 8 is celebrated as International Women's Day around the world; and
Whereas, the theme of Johnson County United Nations Association's celebration of
International Women's Day 2023 is"Sustainable Development Goal#15 Life on Land"; and
Whereas, around the world, 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods, yet
forests are being felled at an astonishing rate. Between 2010 and 2016, 3.3 million hectares were
lost, often for profits that bypassed local communities; and
Whereas, women, particularly those who are poor and living in rural areas, often depend on
forests for fuel, fodder and food. Deforestation for some means spending many more hours each
day walking long distances to secure these needs; and
Whereas, their limited ownership of land reduces their capacity to adapt to losses or to make
decisions about how land is used. While some have extensive knowledge about traditional
practices that are inherently sustainable, this is often excluded from decisions about sustainable
ecosystems; and
Whereas, when women make up a critical mass of between 25 and 35 per cent of the people
in community forestry, their impact is felt. Forest conditions and regeneration improve, and the
women themselves gain greater political voice; and
Whereas, women, globally and locally, also often lead smallholder food production
operations; and
Whereas, the Johnson County Chapter of the United Nations Association of the USA and
other community partners are celebrating International Women's Day by honoring local
organizations led by women that promote community food production: Grow: Johnson County,
Field to Family, and the Great Plains Action Society at its annual Night of 1000 Dinners; and
Whereas, these organizations and the World Food Programme will be honored on
Wednesday, March 8 at Mercer Park Aquatic Center & Scanlon Gym during an in-person event
that will include an international buffet and entertainment with a live stream also available.
Now, therefore, I, Bruce Teague, Mayor of Iowa City, do hereby proclaim March 8 as
International Women's Day
and the month of March 2023 to be recognized as
Women's History Month
in Iowa City and urge residents o recognize and sup ort the contributions of women in the
changing world.
e"4-S"--51--
ffff
ayor
Signed in Iowa City, Iowa,
/ (/;// ; this 21st day of February 2023.