Governor Proclaims Women's History Month 2022

WHEREAS, North Carolina is proud to be home to millions of women who serve as leaders in our communities, succeed in a variety of careers, and contribute as volunteers and in their personal lives, while continuing to overcome the many barriers they face; and

WHEREAS, women make up more than 51 percent of our state’s population, with the women of North Carolina reflecting our state’s great diversity; and

WHEREAS, Women’s History Month is an opportunity to recognize the far-reaching accomplishments and contributions of women that have often been overlooked in North Carolina and the nation; and

WHEREAS, the 2022 national theme for Women’s History Month is “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” honoring the incredible work of women caregivers and frontline workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and recognizing the ways women of all cultures have provided healing and hope throughout history; and

WHEREAS, during this month we celebrate women who have provided healing and hope, such as Hillsborough native Dr. Kizzemekia Corbett, who led a team of investigators with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the research to find a vaccine for COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic shined a light on inequities that have long existed for women, including in access to healthcare, economic opportunity, and caregiving responsibilities; and

WHEREAS, as documented in the NC Council for Women’s “Exploiting Inequity: A Pandemic’s Gendered and Racial Toll on the Women and Families of North Carolina Report,” women in North Carolina experienced higher rates of exposure to the virus as a disproportionate share of the state’s essential workforce, particularly women of color, and bore the brunt of additional child and elder caregiving responsibilities; and

WHEREAS, to further address these inequities, North Carolina should support publicly funded childcare, increase investments in Smart Start and NC Pre-K, and expand Medicaid and access to affordable health care; and

WHEREAS, among state employees, 52% are women; many women serve in leadership positions throughout state government; and

WHEREAS, initiatives such as paid parental leave provided to state employees through Executive Order 95 help to address inequities faced by women, increase women’s access to employment opportunities, and support women and families; other employers across North Carolina are encouraged to provide paid parental leave to their employees; and

WHEREAS, despite facing tremendous challenges, North Carolina women are known for their strength and resilience, for their numerous contributions to our state throughout its history, and for their continued and ongoing contributions to the wellbeing of our state and its people.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim March 2022, as “WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.