Reps. Geiss, Brinks, Chang, Chirkun, Clemente, Cochran, Ellison, Faris, Gay-Dagnogo, Green, Greig, Guerra, Hertel, Hoadley, Jones, Lasinski, Love, Maturen, Pagan, Sabo, Schor, Singh, Sneller, Sowerby and Wittenberg offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 175.

            A resolution to declare October 11, 2017, as International Day Of The Girl Child in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Women's realization of their full potential through education and economic empowerment is critical to the state’s ability to achieve strong and lasting economic growth as well as political and social stability; and

            Whereas, More opportunity for girls and an increase in awareness of gender inequality faced by girls can only help to eradicate gender discrimination in our state; and

            Whereas, The eradication of poverty and extreme poverty, as well as the meaningful participation of girls in decisions that affect them, are key in breaking the cycle of discrimination and violence; and

            Whereas, Promoting and protecting the full and effective enjoyment of their human rights and recognizing also that empowering girls requires their active participation in decision-making processes and the active support and engagement of their parents, legal guardians, families and care providers, as well as boys and men and the wider community; and

            Whereas, Women and girls make up 51 percent of the population, yet they are consistently underrepresented in government; and

            Whereas, The advancement of women in this state, in our nation and  around the world should be a priority for this Legislature; and

            Whereas, The Michigan Legislature is staunchly in favor of the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare October 11, 2017, as International Day of the Girl Child in the state of Michigan.