STATE HOUSE — Highlighting the smart, driven women of Rhode Island, Sen. Donna M. Nesselbush (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, North Providence) and Rep. Teresa A. Tanzi (D-Dist. 34, South Kingstown, Narragansett) proudly hosted a state celebration of the United Nations-recognized International Women’s Day.
This year, the General Assembly honored Chief Tina Goncalves of the Pawtucket Police Department. Chief Goncalves is the first female municipal police chief in Rhode Island. This year’s theme for the annual event is “Press for Progress.”
“Today we gather, and we join in solidarity with others throughout the world to recognize outstanding achievement by women and to demand full equality politically, economically and socially. International Women's Day is a day for us to join hands with our sisters and brothers, here and abroad, to recognize our collective plight but also to laud our accomplishments,” said Senator Nesselbush.
“Recent events have brought a long-overdue wave of public discussion about what women deserve, what we should not have to endure and how much work still lies ahead of us to create a world in which our daughters and granddaughters might someday be paid equally, treated fairly and will not face undue obstacles in advancing at work and in the world. And that’s why we will continue to gather here every year on March 8, not just to trumpet the many great accomplishments of women, but to remind ourselves that the struggle is by no means over,” said Representative Tanzi.
An all-female police honor guard escorted Chief Goncalves and dignitaries into the State Room. Following the ceremony, the honorees went to the Senate floor for the reading of a Senate resolution in honor of International Women’s Day and then to the House of Representatives for the same.
International Women’s Day is a day to reflect on the achievements of women and the fight for gender equality. It is also a day for acknowledging the strides the world has taken in advancing women’s rights, freedoms and protections, but, said Senator Nesselbush “it is also time to acknowledge that we have a long way to go.” The United Nations has recognized and celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8 since 1975.
Rep. Teresa A. Tanzi (D-Dist. 34, Narragansett, South Kingstown), left, Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, center, and Sen. Donna M. Nesselbush (D-Dist. 15, Pawtucket, North Providence), right, pose at the 2018 International Women’s Day celebration held in the State Room.
