Celebrating Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month, which takes place during the month of March, is designated to celebrate the vital role of women in world history and commemorate their contributions to society. From Malala Yousafzai to Harriet Tubman to Ruth Bader Ginsberg, the world's history has been shaped by fearless women who have made significant advances in racial equality, civil rights, women's suffrage, environmental change, and much more.

According to the National Women’s History Museum website, Women’s History Month began as a local Santa Rosa, California celebration. The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission planned and executed a “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978. The organizers selected the week of International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8. This movement quickly spread nationwide as other communities initiated Women’s History Week celebrations the following year.

In 1980, an association of historians and women’s groups led by the National Women’s History Project, now known as the National Women’s History Alliance, lobbied for national recognition. In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 2nd through March 8th National Women’s History Week. Subsequent Presidents continued to proclaim a National Women’s History Week in March until Congress passed a law designating March as “Women’s History Month” in 1987.

Each year, Women’s History Month is given a different theme. Last year’s theme was Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope which was designed to celebrate the contributions of caretakers and frontline workers throughout the pandemic and history. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” designated by the National Women’s History Alliance to recognize women of the past and present who have been active in all types of media and storytelling.

There are several different ways to celebrate and recognize Women’s History Month, even if it's as simple as watching a documentary about women’s rights or taking a virtual museum tour of the National Women’s History Museum, which offers online exhibits, countless digital resources, and articles about all kinds of women in history. You can also take action by supporting women-owned businesses or donating to organizations in your community that support women and girls.

Supporting the women around you is another way to celebrate Women’s History Month, and it can be done by writing a heartfelt thank-you to the women who have made a difference in your life or the lives of others. Whether it’s your mom, spouse, sister, best friend, or teacher who inspired you years ago, thanking them for their contributions is a good way to celebrate the women around you.