DENVER (March 3, 2014) – The American Water Works Association and the water community kicked off a celebration of Women’s History Month. Throughout the month of March, AWWA and its members will pay tribute to the many contributions women have made to the water industry, the nation and the world.
“Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the contributions of women who have broken the pre-cast mold of history within our industry. These women paved the way for a better workforce where women today occupy every possible space within the world of water,” said AWWA Executive Director David LaFrance. “It’s important that we celebrate the achievements that have been made, and equally important that we continue to inspire girls and young women to pursue mathematics and the sciences from early ages. The simple truth is that we want more young women to find a home in water work.”
To commemorate the occasion, AWWA and its members will celebrate with events and other activities at public and private water and wastewater utilities across the United States highlighting the critical role women have played in the history of the water community.
About Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week." In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month." Since 1995, Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” From the Law Library of Congress' guide to the legislative history of Women's History Month.
AWWA is a non-profit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water. www.awwa.org