International Women's Day

                      To Learn More About International Women's Day

                                       Statement by Lewiston Mayor Carl L. Sheline
"On this day, we celebrate the women in our communities.  Each has a story, a journey, and a voice that is part of the foundation of Lewiston. This year the campaign of International Women’s Day is 'Embracing Equity,' a reminder that equality isn’t enough, and we need to take further equitable actions within our community.  Today is a day to uplift the women in our lives and provides an opportunity to celebrate their success and achievements, as well as honor their perseverance and resilience. Join me in this global day of recognition for the cultural, social, economic, and political strides of women in Lewiston and beyond," said Lewiston Maine Carl L. Sheline.  

          Statement by Former Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Melissa Hue
“The plight of all women throughout American history has been nothing short of remarkable. Each journey, though vastly different, has paved the way for the experience of women in the US today. Generations of heroines from all backgrounds pioneered their way into every sector they were prevented from entering, to ensure women had equal rights. Women continue to lead as they’ve always done, achieving groundbreaking accomplishments, in the name of equity and equality for all.

We honor their perseverance, their stories, their bravery, and their willingness to be bold, speak up, and be heard. To that end, March 8, 2023, marks International Women’s Day. The theme for this year, DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality, highlights the role of innovative technology in promoting gender equality and meeting the health and developmental needs of women. Access to information is key, access to education is power, and providing access to truths is vital for women’s freedom all across the world.”

                                                                   Background
During the month of March, we will be honoring Women’s History Month! Did you know that Women’s History Month began only 45 years ago?   The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women planned and executed a “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978. The organizers selected the week of March 8 to correspond with International Women’s Day. The movement spread across the country as other communities initiated their own Women’s History Week celebrations the following year.

The plight of all women throughout American history has been nothing short of remarkable. Each journey, though vastly different, has paved the way for the experience of women in the US today. Generations of heroines from all backgrounds pioneered their way into every sector they were prevented from entering, to ensure women had equal rights. Women continue to lead as they’ve always done, achieving groundbreaking accomplishments, in the name of equity and equality for all.