Tonight the Legislative Building will be among the many iconic buildings and landmarks around the world that will power down half of its exterior lights as part of the United Nations' first HeForShe demonstration. The demonstration symbolizes the power lost when the world excludes half of its population: women. A major goal of the campaign is to encourage men and boys to advocate for gender equality.
"Looking at our city halls, our state houses and our corporate board rooms makes it clear we still have a long way to go to attain full and equal gender representation and equality," said Gov. Jay Inslee. "I’m proud Washington’s Capitol can be part of this demonstration and affirm our state’s commitment to working toward gender equality. Washington has been at the forefront of many civil and equal rights movements because we know that we are more powerful together when women are fully and equally engaged in our society and our economy.”
The half-light demonstration will take place 8–9 p.m. tonight prior to the opening of the U.N. General Assembly debate tomorrow and this week’s HeForShe Summit in New York City.