Women's History Month honors and acknowledges women's significant contributions throughout history and their ongoing impact on our world today. This month-long observance highlights women's essential roles in shaping our political, cultural, and social landscapes each March.
Celebrating women's achievements began in 1978 with the inaugural Women's History Week in Sonoma County, California, coinciding with International Women's Day on March 8. The movement quickly gained national attention, and in 1980, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the first National Women's History Week. By 1987, the National Women's History Project successfully advocated for March to be officially designated Women's History Month, a dedicated time for recognizing women's accomplishments.
Countries worldwide celebrate Women's History Month, but the timing differs. The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia honor it in March, while Canada celebrates it in October. This choice aligns with Persons Day on October 18, which recognizes women as "persons" under Canadian law.
Each year, we celebrate Women's History Month with a unique theme highlighting women's contributions throughout history. In 2023, we embraced the theme "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories," recognizing how women have significantly influenced media, literature, and storytelling. This theme emphasizes women's active role in shaping narratives and influencing public discourse, enriching our cultural landscape and historical record with diverse perspectives and experiences.
Throughout history, women have made profound impacts in many fields. Some key examples include:
Enheduanna (2285-2250 BCE) – The first named author in history whose poetic works in ancient Mesopotamia shaped early literature.
Junko Tabei (1975) – The first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest, breaking barriers in mountaineering.
Carla Hayden – The first female and first African American librarian of Congress, making significant strides in accessibility and inclusion in public institutions.
Wyoming (1869) – The first region in the U.S. to grant women the right to vote, influencing the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920.
Madame C.J. Walker – A trailblazing entrepreneur who created a successful haircare business that empowered women to achieve economic independence.
Women's History Month is a valuable opportunity to reflect on the significant achievements of women throughout history and foster progress toward a more inclusive future.
This March, we invite you to celebrate Women's History Month by participating in events, activities, and discussions that honor the contributions of women across diverse fields. Let us continue to celebrate and uplift the remarkable women who have shaped our world and those who persist in making a difference today.
