Renton, WA— The City of Renton marked Women’s History Month Monday night with a formal proclamation, presented ceremonially to the YWCA during the March 23rd council meeting.
Council President Pérez moved the proclamation, with Council President Pro Tem McIrvin providing the second. The declaration opened by noting that Washington State granted women the right to vote in 1910, a full decade before the 19th Amendment extended that right nationwide in 1920.
The proclamation recognized the many ways women have helped shape Renton, calling out their roles in leadership, mentorship, and public service. It also pointed to the women currently serving the city in prominent positions, including council president, department administrators, and judges as a reflection of that ongoing legacy.
“Renton continues to honor the achievements of women past, present, and future,” the proclamation read, “and is committed to a world where all women’s voices are valued, recognized, and celebrated.”
The YWCA, which received the ceremonial honor, has long been a pillar of that work locally, providing services and advocacy for women and families across the South King County region.
Renton’s own history offers a fitting backdrop for the recognition. In 1979, the city elected Barbara Shinpoch as its first female mayor, a milestone that came nearly seven decades after Washington women won the right to vote.
Women’s History Month is observed each March, a tradition that began as a single week in 1982 before Congress designated the full month in 1987. This year’s national theme, set by the National Women’s History Alliance, is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.”
The YWCA serves Renton residents through programs focused on racial and economic justice, domestic violence support, and workforce development. More information about their local services is available at ywcaworks.org.