March 28, 2024 9:17 AM
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Arizona Celebrates Women’s History Month

Governor Doug Ducey today proclaimed March 2022 as Women’s History Month, kicking off a celebration of pioneering women who broke down barriers and made significant contributions to our state and nation.

“Arizona is proud to celebrate the women who challenged the status quo,” Governor Ducey said. “This March, and every day, we recognize the women who fought for their voices to be heard, who blazed a new trail and showed the ultimate determination for equality. These leaders paved the way so that many generations of women could follow their path. Let’s be inspired by the grit, perseverance and integrity of the women who helped shape our great state.”

Women’s History Month was established in 1987, and has been recognized by every U.S. president since 1995. Governor Ducey has issued a Women’s History Month proclamation every year since 2016.

Women in Arizona have held many “first” titles, ensuring they will not be the last. Arizona was home to Sandra Day O’Connor, who was the first female justice on the Supreme Court and the first woman Arizona Senate majority leader.

In 1999, Arizona inaugurated five female statewide officeholders — Betsy Bayless, Jane Dee Hull, Lisa Graham-Keegan, Janet Napolitano and Carol Springer. This was the first time women held all statewide elected offices in United States history. Arizona has 39 women currently serving in the Arizona State Legislature.

Lorna Lockwood was the first female state chief justice in U.S. history and spent a decade as the first woman on the Arizona Superior Court in Maricopa County. Another female leader, Polly Rosenbaum, is Arizona’s longest-serving state legislator, representing Gila County for 46 years. ​​Frances Willard Munds was the first woman elected to the Arizona State Senate and the second woman state senator in the U.S.

Arizona has also spearheaded opportunities for women. In 1912, while entering statehood, Arizona became the tenth state to grant women the right to vote – eight years before the ratification of the 19th Amendment allowed women the right to vote nationally.

View a PDF of the proclamation HERE.

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