Mayor Wilson proclaims March to be Women's History Month

In accordance with this acknowledgement, we recognize:

Whereas, March is recognized nationwide as National Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the enduring achievements and leadership of women of every race, class, and ethnic background whose vision, courage, and de-termination have enriched every facet of Portland life; and

Whereas, the 2026 Women's History Month theme "Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future." Is chosen in solidarity with the National Women's History Alliance and women around the world. This theme recognizes the vital contributions of women who are advancing sustainable solutions and inspiring meaningful progress across environmental, economic, educational and social spheres; and

Whereas, in communities large and small, women continue to lead with resilience and compassion, and transform traditional, top-down governance systems into more inclusive and responsive structures, ensuring that work at the City of Portland considers access to all populations; and

Whereas, a changing world due to digital transformation, climate change, and demographic pressures calls for us to rethink how we can better design public works for jobs and skills. It calls for adapting the conventional model to become more forward-looking and better serve a more diverse group of people in need; and

Whereas, women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our communities in countless recorded and unrecorded ways such as Norma Paulus, Oregon's first female Secretary of State in 1976, who advanced environmental protection and land-use policy, Patricia Carplo Whiting who focused on the intersection of gender, race, and environmental advocacy, Nicole Johnson who advocated for livability for all people through their leadership at 1000 Friends of Oregon, and Agnes Baker Pilgrim, a Takelma Tribe elder and activist who advocated for clean water and Indigenous rights, travelling globally to speak about the importance of environmental justice and protection of several natural resources. These women were instrumental in building and progressing environmental, and land-use frameworks that define Oregon.

Whereas, Women's History Month traces its origins to a local Women's History Week celebration in Santa Rosa, California, in 1978. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed March 2 - 8 as National Women's History Week, and in 1987, Congress expanded the observance to the entire month of March, providing an enduring opportunity to recognize and uplift women's contributions throughout our nation's history;

Now, therefore, I, Keith Wilson, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the "City of Roses," do hereby proclaim March 2026, to be Women's History Month in Portland and encourage all to celebrate Women's History Month by recognizing the achievements of women past and present, and by supporting efforts that advance opportunity, sustainability, and equity within our community and beyond.