1Recognizing March 8, 2013, as "International Women's Day" in
2Pennsylvania.

3WHEREAS, The Senate acknowledges women's economic, political
4and social achievements and pays tribute to their role in
5strengthening and connecting communities in this Commonwealth
6and beyond; and

7WHEREAS, The Senate joins women's groups around the world who
8are observing "International Women's Day" without regard to
9national boundaries, ethnicity, language, culture or
10socioeconomic status; and

11WHEREAS, The Senate commemorates the struggle for women's
12rights and applauds women's notable progress and aspirations
13relative to equality, justice, peace and global development; and

14WHEREAS, Women in this Commonwealth, who comprise more than
1550% of the population, and women around the world are
16steadfastly pursuing these goals despite recessions, wars or
17unrest, disease, oppression and the burdens of poverty; and

18WHEREAS, Women and children are more likely than men to live

1in poverty, with statistics indicating that 16 million women, 11
2million men and one-fifth of all children, one-third of whom are
3African-American children in the United States, are living in
4poverty; and

5WHEREAS, Despite gender-based gaps in poverty and earnings in
6the labor force, women strive to support themselves and their
7children in our communities; and

8WHEREAS, In addition to the income disparity issues faced by
9women, it is estimated that up to seven in ten women globally
10will be beaten, raped, abused or mutilated in their lifetimes -
11and most of the violence takes place in intimate relationships;
12and

13WHEREAS, In the United States, it is estimated that intimate
14partner violence costs $5.8 billion per year in additional
15health care costs and lost productivity; and

16WHEREAS, The United Nations has selected "A Promise is a
17Promise: Time for Action to End Violence Against Women" as this
18year's "International Women's Day" theme; therefore be it

19RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize March 8, 2013, as
20"International Women's Day" in Pennsylvania with respect for
21women's rich and diverse accomplishments and tireless
22aspirations.