New Jersey-2024-AJR133-Introduced

A Joint Resolution designating February 4th of each year as "Women and Girls in Sports Day" in New Jersey.

Whereas, Sport and physical activity play critical roles in the lives of all people and are essential for good physical and emotional health; and

Whereas, Opportunities in sports were traditionally open to men only, however the 20th and 21st centuries saw women and girls strive to increasingly participate in sports despite societal obstacles; and

Whereas, Gender disparities continue to exist in sports and less prize money, sponsorships, facilities, equipment, and athletic opportunities are allocated for women's and girls' sports; and

Whereas, Sports are essential to teaching girls important life skills that advance gender equality, such as confidence, resilience, initiative, self-reliance, self-discipline, leadership, and teamwork; and

Whereas, Physical activity is key to the development of healthy bodies and minds, and sports encourage women and girls to become and remain physically active; and

Whereas, Women's sports have produced successful and inspiring athletes, such as New Jersey natives Carli Lloyd and Laurie Hernandez, who serve as important role models to fans of all ages and genders; and

Whereas, The considerable achievements of women and girls in sports deserve recognition and women's fight against gender inequality deserves awareness; and

Whereas, February 4th is nationally recognized as "National Girls and Women in Sports Day"; and

Whereas, The State of New Jersey should recognize women's and girls' contributions to sports, further encourage women and girls to participate in sports and physical activity, and promote gender equality by designating February 4th as "Women and Girls in Sports Day" in New Jersey; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. February 4th of each year is designated as "Women and Girls in Sports Day" in the State of New Jersey to recognize and celebrate women's and girls' contributions to sports.

2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing February 4th as "Women and Girls in Sports Day" in New Jersey, and call upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.

3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

This joint resolution designates February 4th of each year as "Women and Girls in Sports Day" in New Jersey. Opportunities in sports were traditionally only open to men, and women were discouraged from taking an interest in, or participating in, athletics. In the 20th and 21st centuries, women and girls increasingly strove to participate in sports. However, gender disparities in sports still remain, with less support and resources available for women's sports programs, in comparison with men's sports. This lack of investment has contributed to gender pay disparities for female athletes and the unequal allocation of facilities and equipment for women's and girls' sports. Despite these inequities, inspiring female athletes, such as New Jersey natives Carli Lloyd and Laurie Hernandez, have made significant contributions to sports and have served as excellent role models for fans of all ages and genders. Women and girls deserve recognition for their contributions to sports and public awareness of their fight for gender equality in athletics.

It should be further acknowledged that sports are essential in the lives of girls, since participation in sports teaches important life skills that empower girls to stand up against gender inequities, both in sports and in daily life. Participation in sports, moreover, encourages women and girls to become and remain physically active, which is essential to achieving and maintaining good physical and mental health throughout life.