Earlier this evening, Mayor Javier Villalobos and the McAllen City Commission proclaimed the month of March as Women’s History Month in McAllen, and March 8 as International Women’s Day in McAllen, in celebration of the of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. City leaders were proud to point out that the City of McAllen is unique amongst Rio Grande Valley and border municipalities, with an almost equal number of women to men who are directors of City of McAllen departments.
“Why do we celebrate Women's History Month? We celebrate Women's History Month to remind ourselves of the accomplishments of women throughout the years to our culture and especially, our McAllen community,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos.
According to Mayor Villalobos, women have been an important part of the fabric of the growth and progress of society.
There have been staggering changes for women in religion, in government, in employment, in education and even in finance freedom that have come about in over eight generations, since that first women’s march for the right to vote in 1917. Women have not been the passive recipients of miraculous changes in laws and human nature. Eight generations of women have come together to affect these changes in the most democratic ways: through meetings, petition drives, lobbying, public speaking, and nonviolent resistance. They have worked very deliberately to create a better world, and they have succeeded hugely.
“Women are not only an integral part of nurturing families, but often times, also serve as bread winners and role models for their community, said Mayor Villalobos. “Whether on a small scale in their home, on a larger scale in jobs such as education, medicine or science, business or in the political or academic arena, those cultures where women have played a role in the advancement of and been a major part of the innovation and responsiveness of government, those societies have flourished.”
Concluded Villalobos, “It is an honor to be a part of the City of McAllen where women have such key roles in moving our city forward.”
In celebration of Women’s History Month (March) and International Women’s Day (March 8), the City of McAllen will also host a series of events for its female employees that will help promote and encourage the contributions of women to the city. The schedule of activities inlude:
- Women’s History Month Proclamation, February 26;
- International Women’s Day Breakfast Symposium, March 11, featuring a panel discussion of female trailblazers in the McAllen community, this year:
- Rose Benavidez, chair, South Texas College Board of Trustees
- Val LaMantia, owner & managing partner, L&F Distributors
- Women’s Self Defense class, March 13, featuring Romana Sidrou, a professional world champion Jiu Jitsu martial artist and self-defense instructor; and
- Speed Mentoring Session, March 26, where female employees will meet with various City of McAllen departments led by female directors and later, hear from other female directors and trailblazers to learn more about opportunities in public service and pursuing opportunities through networking;
This year’s theme for the City of McAllen Women’s History Month celebration is “Share Your Voice.” In honor of the tireless and unfailing work women have accomplished to bring about the social, economic, education, religious, and personal equality they now enjoy, and more importantly, to help fellow women.
“I am honored to not only recognize the leaders in our organization, but also, to stress to all of our female employees that there is no limit to their potential here with the City of McAllen,” said City Manager Roel Roy Rodriguez, P.E. “It is also important to encourage our next generation of women in the workforce to seek a career in public sector work, to help take our city and our region to the next level. This celebration of Women’s History Month and our female leaders is a chance to reflect on the trailblazing women who have lead the way for change, and here at the City of McAllen, that is no exception.”
The City of McAllen has celebrated Women’s History Month and its female leaders and trailblazers for the past seven years.
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