County proclaims Women’s History Month

Just before the month of March commenced, the Pierce County Council and Executive proclaimed March 2025 Women’s History Month in Pierce County. The theme is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations” to recognize the collective efforts of women in shaping a more just and equitable society.

For the first time in history, the Pierce County Council is composed of a majority of women, marking a significant milestone in local governance and reflecting the growing leadership and representation of women in public service. 

Council member Paul Herrera expressed it best to those who came to accept the proclamation: “You might be the hero to someone who’s not even born yet.”

The proclamation reads in part: “Throughout history, women have played a vital role in shaping the culture, economy, and governance of the United States, leaving a legacy of leadership, resilience, and innovation. The contributions of women in Washington State and Pierce County have advanced education, civil rights, public service, healthcare, business, and countless other fields, enriching the lives of generations to come. 

“Women educators and mentors across Pierce County have dedicated themselves to inspiring and empowering young minds, ensuring that knowledge and opportunity are passed on to future generations. The achievements of women entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, and activists in our region demonstrate the transformative power of leadership and collaboration, strengthening our communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, women in healthcare, education, and essential industries bore extraordinary burdens, ensuring the well-being of communities while balancing unprecedented challenges in their personal and professional lives. 

“Equal Pay Day 2025 is on March 25 and marks the current state of the gender pay gap for women: 83 percent for full-time, year-round workers and 75 percent for all workers, including part-time and seasonal work. Despite years of progress in women’s rights and representation of women on corporate boards, executive and managerial positions, and employment in publicly traded companies, recognizing Women’s History Month and Equal Pay Day has become increasingly important in recent years as global events and public policy in the U.S. and around the world have impacted a women’s access to healthcare, job opportunities, and education.”

Kim Anderson, executive vice president for the Gig Harbor Women’s Co-op, was among the women’s groups there to receive the proclamation. The co-op just obtained its 501c3 last year as a community service non-profit organization with its mission to empower and unite communities of women through the exchange of skills, services and time.

“As women, we are conditioned from a very young age to be everything to everyone – supermom, supportive partners, productive workers, great homemakers, etc,” she told the council. “The glossy images we see of having it all can really make us forget that the real connections are not found in perfection but in our human authenticity. The reality is we need each other. Nobody can do it all by themselves.”