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Monthly News & Updates

March 2024

Issue XXXVVVVVVII

The National Women's History Alliance has selected "Women who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion" for the 2024 Women's History Month theme. The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions.

Women's History Month Theme 2024

Director's Note

አማርኛ (Amharic)中文 (Chinese) | Français (French)

한국어 (Korean)| Español (Spanish) |Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)

Dear Residents, Neighbors, and Friends:


As we enter the month of March, we not only welcome the changing seasons but also commemorate a pivotal chapter in history—Women's History Month. This significant celebration is dedicated to recognizing and honoring countless women who have been trailblazers in advocating for equity, inclusion, and diversity throughout the ages.


Originally established as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California, Women's History Month started as Women's History Week in 1978. The movement gained momentum across the nation, with various communities and jurisdictions launching their own Women's History Week celebrations the following year. In 1980, a consortium of women's groups and historians, led by the National Women's History Project, successfully advocated for national recognition. In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8, 1980, as National Women's History Week.


From the suffragettes who tirelessly fought for women's voting rights to the courageous leaders who challenged societal norms, shattered ceilings, and advocated for equal opportunities— such as Mary Church Terrell, Susan B. Anthony, Septima Poinsette Clark, and Ella Baker—each woman in history has left an unforgettable mark on the path toward progress.

As we reflect on their achievements, I also want to highlight and introduce exceptional women leaders at the Office of Human Rights, acknowledging their diverse experiences, cultures, and accomplishments throughout March via our social media channels. Their stories resonate with countless other female heroes who have steadfastly championed equity, contributing significantly to fostering diversity and inclusion.


It is my hope that by recognizing the women of the past, we not only pay homage to their legacy but also inspire present and future generations to continue the journey toward a more inclusive and just community.


Finally, I want to share that after nearly nine years of public service with the Office of Human Rights, I will be transitioning out of District government. It has been an absolute honor to serve the residents of DC. During my tenure, I focused on case processing improvement, investment in people, and building infrastructure at OHR. My proudest accomplishments include establishing a deep leadership bench, bringing technology and data support to the agency for the first time, achieving increased case disposition rate, increasing legal prosecution strength, securing high number of business compliance, and OHR’s robust EEO training program. I am also appreciative of the opportunities to help shape the District’s various laws and policies. Above all, I am thankful to Mayor Bowser, my team, and our government and public partners who make this work possible!



In Solidarity,

Hnin Khaing

Director

Trait of the Month:

Under the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, gender identity and expression is defined as "gender-related identity, appearance, expression, or behavior of an individual, regardless of the individual’s assigned sex at birth."



DID YOU KNOW: Through history and in various cultures, there have been many women who dressed in male attire to fulfill roles traditionally reserved for men. Many used disguises, while others chose to be more open. Some of those women include: Hatshepsut (1507-1458 BCE), one of the most successful pharaohs in ancient Egypt; Billy Tipton (1914-1989); Jeanne Baret (1740-1807), a French botanist who became the first woman to circumnavigate the globe; Cathay Williams (1844-1893), a Black woman who enlisted in the U.S. Army as William Cathay (she became the first female and the only documented woman to serve in the army while posing as a man); Sally St. Clair (1806-1852), who disguised herself as a lumberjack named Sam St. Clair; and Maria da la Luz (1897-1985), who lived as Enrique Torres and served as a solider in the Mexican Revolution).

OHR FY23 Achievements

Do you want to learn more about the accomplishments OHR made during FY23? Our Enforcement team, Community Engagement and Education team, Creating Safer Spaces UnitLanguage Access Program and Youth Bullying Prevention Program made significant strides last fiscal year and you can explore these achievements on our social media channels! If you missed our recent Performance Oversight hearing where we discussed more about these successes in detail, catch up at http://tinyurl.com/2xzyc3c6.

What's New and Upcoming

Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the DC Language Access Act

Wednesday, April 24

5:30-7:30 pm


Join us on Wednesday, April 24, to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the passage of the DC Language Access Act. The DC Office of Human Rights (OHR) will be honoring DC agencies and Language Access advocates who have contributed to passing, implementing, and working to enhance the Language Access Act of 2004.


The purpose of the Act aims to eliminate linguistic barriers to ensure that all DC residents, workers, and visitors receive equal access to government services while receiving free translation and interpretation services in their respective languages.

Do these questions speak to you? If you want to discuss and answer questions like these, you should join us at the event!

  • What unique activities do you want to see more of during Language Access Awareness Month to raise awareness and actively involve communities in promoting cross-cultural communications in our city?
  • How can community members and advocates actively contribute to the ongoing development of the Language Access Program, ensuring its adaptability to the evolving linguistic and cultural dynamics of the community?

If you need to request special accommodation or interpreters, please email Laura Gonzalez at laura.gonzalez@dc.gov by 5:00 PM on Monday, April 8.


Reserve a Spot Here

Events and Observances

Zero Waste DC Community Fair

Saturday, March 30

Eastern Market's North Hall

225 7th Street SE

10 Am


SAVE THE DATE: The DC Department of Public Works, in partnership with the Department of Energy and the Environment, is hosting the Zero Waste DC Community Fair Saturday to celebrate the release of the Zero Waste DC Plan and highlight zero waste resources.


The Zero Waste DC Plan was released in February 2024 and outlines the District’s strategy to achieve a more sustainable future, maximize the benefits of renewable and reuseable resources, and minimize the amount of waste and greenhouse gas emissions generated by residents and government agencies by diverting 80% of solid waste away from landfills and incinerations.



The Zero Waste DC Community Fair will be open to the public and connect DC residents with resources offered by the DC Government and local zero-waste businesses and organizations to provide them with the tools to embrace best zero waste practices.


Women's HERstory - Day of Service

Saturday, April 7

5100 Southern Ave SE

2pm


Calling all community members, in honor of the contributions that women of the past and present have made to society. Girls Scouts and members of the public will participate in a community cleanup.

DC Office of Human Rights | 202.727.4559 | ohr.dc.gov

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