The Start
Women’s History Month originated in Santa Rosa, California as a small-scale event. In 1978, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women organized a week-long celebration called “Women’s History Week.” They deliberately chose the week of March 8 to align with International Women’s Day. The idea gained fame and soon other communities throughout the country started hosting their own Women’s History Week celebrations the next year.
In 1980, United States President Jimmy Carter announced the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week. He encouraged all Americans to take part in recognizing the significant role women have played in shaping the nation. President Carter emphasized that women’s accomplishments, leadership, bravery, resilience, and love were just as crucial as those of the well-known men in American history. He believed that women’s contributions had often been overlooked and it was time to give them the recognition they deserved.
In 1987, the week-long event turned into a whole month of celebration when Congress passed a resolution declaring March as Women’s History Month. Ever since then, Women’s History Month has been celebrated in the United States every March.
Who does it honor?
Women’s History Month celebrates the achievements of remarkable women throughout history. Some of the notable figures include Sacagawea, a Native American woman who played a crucial role in Lewis and Clark’s expedition in the early 19th century. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony fought tirelessly for women’s equality in the mid-19th century, paving the way for the 19th Amendment that granted women the right to vote in 1920. Harriet Tubman, a brave spy, led countless slaves to freedom during the Civil War. Amelia Earhart, a pioneering aviator, mysteriously disappeared while flying over the Pacific Ocean in 1937. Madeleine Albright made history in 1996 by becoming the first female Secretary of State. Lastly, Misty Copeland broke barriers in 2015 when she became the first African American woman to be named a principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre’s 75-year history. These women have made a lasting impact on history and still serve as a source of inspiration for countless young women today.
Women’s history month today
Since the beginning of Women’s History Week in 1978, several other countries, like Canada and Australia, have followed the United States’ lead in recognizing and honoring the remarkable contributions of women to history and culture.
Every year, the National Women’s History Alliance selects a specific theme for Women’s History Month. In the past, themes like “Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet” (2009) and “Celebrating Women in STEM” (2013) have been chosen. The theme for both 2020 and 2021 was “Valiant Women of the Vote,” which highlighted the courageous women who fought for the right to vote. Additionally, the theme last year was “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.”
Apart from the annual theme, Women’s History Month serves as a platform to continue the dialogue surrounding women and their significant contributions. This is achieved through various activities such as museum exhibits, film screenings, and the promotion of year-round study of women’s achievements.
Women’s History Month doesn’t have to be limited to just one month. It’s a special time where we can reflect on the significance of being a woman both in the past and in today’s world. It’s also a time to appreciate and uplift each other.