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WHEREAS, diversity in government that is reflective of society at large results in stronger public policies that are the foundation of strong, safe and health communities; and
WHEREAS, having women in office is vital to our democracy in Pennsylvania, where women comprise 52% of the electorate, but only 17.4% of the state assembly; and
WHEREAS, women earn over half of the college degrees in the United States, and this talent is not being realized in government; and
WHEREAS, despite being an international cultural leader, the US ranks only 70th in terms of women's representation; and
WHEREAS, women hold only 17.4% of the seats in the Pennsylvania Assembly, well below the national average of 24%; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania has fewer female lawmakers than 40 other states; and
WHEREAS, the 2012 Project is a national, non-partisan initiative focused on electing more women to the U.S. Congress and state legislatures; and
WHEREAS, the Pennsylvania Center for Women in Politics at Chatham University is spearheading the statewide Pennsylvania 2012 Project; and
WHEREAS, the Pennsylvania 2012 Project will focus on engaging more women in the political arena, either by running for political office or supporting a campaign; and
WHEREAS, Chatham University will also host Ready to Run, a non-partisan training and mentorship program to encourage women to run for government leadership positions; and
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the City of Pittsburgh supports gender equality in government and the mission of the 2012 Project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Pittsburgh City Council declares Tuesday, September 27th 2011 to be Women in Government Day.