California Assembly proclaims March 2026 Women’s History Month and honors 120 ‘Women of the Year’

The California State Assembly adopted House Resolution 81 on a voice vote Wednesday, proclaiming March 2026 as Women’s History Month and recognizing 120 statewide honorees as the Assembly’s Women of the Year. Assemblymember Aguiar‑Curry, chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus, introduced the measure and asked members to sign on as coauthors; the clerk reported 74 coauthors before the voice vote adopted the resolution.

The measure’s supporters framed the observance as both a celebration and a call to continued work. “This month is an opportunity to reflect on the often overlooked contribution of women throughout history,” said Assemblymember Aguiar‑Curry, noting the legislature’s growing diversity and urging colleagues to pursue equity and safety for all Californians.

Speakers representing caucuses across the Assembly emphasized different historical threads. Assemblymember El Hawari, speaking for the California Legislative Black Caucus, traced a line from early trailblazers such as Yvonne Burke and Karen Bass to current leaders and urged members to use that legacy to expand opportunities for women. Assemblymember Addis, representing the Jewish Caucus, connected the observance to cultural and religious touchstones and recent community events. Assemblymember Lee, speaking for the LGBTQ+ caucus, recalled women’s leadership during the Stonewall era and the founding of the Assembly’s LGBTQ+ caucus.

After adoption, members escorted honorees to the rear of the chamber while the clerk read brief biographical sketches naming local civic leaders, nonprofit directors, educators and public servants from across the state. The Assembly’s program noted that 1 of the 39,000,000 Californians, 120 honorees were being recognized this year for community leadership, public service and advocacy.

The ceremony was largely celebratory and procedural: members asked the gallery to stand for a prayer and the pledge, presented remarks, and then returned to the daily file. No policy changes or funding measures were attached to the resolution. The Assembly adjourned to resume floor business at a later date.