Women’s History Month occurs every March in the United States and many other countries. It’s a particular time to recognize important women from the past, like suffragists, politicians, inventors, and artists. It’s also a time to talk about the challenges women still face today. Here are some facts to learn more about why we celebrate women’s history in March.
National Women’s Day started in New York
Theresa Malkiel, an activist from the Socialist Party of America, created the first “National Women’s Day” on February 28, 1909. Over 2000 people gathered at a theater in Manhattan to hear speeches about equal rights and enjoy some lively singing. The event continued in 1910 at Carnegie Hall.
The first International Women’s Day debuted in Europe soon after
The idea to celebrate women spread to Europe, led by socialists once again. At the Second International Socialist Women’s Conference in Copenhagen in 1910, Clara Zetkin, a German activist, suggested creating a day to honor working women in Europe. She felt that existing celebrations focused too much on the wealthy. The following year, on March 19, the first International Women’s Day was celebrated. Later, March 8 became the official date for the festivities. This date was chosen because it also marks the anniversary of a 1917 strike that played a part in starting the Russian Revolution.
Women’s History Month grew out of a celebration in California
In 1978, the school district in Sonoma, California, started “Women’s History Week” to add more women-focused topics to the school curriculum. This special week happened in March, to match International Women’s Day. It included talks and an essay contest and ended with a parade in downtown Santa Rosa. Other places liked the idea, so they started doing similar events across the country the next year.
After seeing how well it worked, a group of women in Santa Rosa created the National Women’s History Project (NWHP) two years later to keep the momentum going. They wanted to make Women’s History Week a national event. They talked to politicians and encouraged other communities to do their own celebrations and educational events. Their efforts quickly gained support.
Jimmy Carter was the first president to recognize Women’s History Week
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter said that Women’s History Week would be in March, near March 8. He talked about how since the early days of America, both men and women worked together to make the country. Sometimes, women’s contributions weren’t recognized, but they were just as important as men’s.
Women’s History Month became a permanent fixture on the national level in 1987
Although Women’s History Week was only officially recognized for a week by the federal government (and had to be approved by Congress each year), by 1986, almost a third of U.S. states decided to celebrate it for the entire month of March. The federal government did the same as more states started their own Women’s History Months. In 1987, six years after the first Women’s History Week, Congress passed PL 100-9 [PDF], making Women’s History Month a permanent event every March from then on.
It’s celebrated in March partly due to the weather
Women’s History Month happens in March for a reason. It partly lines up with International Women’s Day, but there’s more to it. Maryland Congresswoman Barbara Mikulski originally wanted it to be in August to mark the anniversary of U.S. women’s suffrage. But Susan Scanlan, a former legislative aide, thought it would be too hot for parades in August. So, she suggested March instead. That way, celebrations could take place in what she called “marching weather.”
The month is a time to reflect on women’s overlooked contributions
What is Women’s History Month all about? Basically, it’s a time to remember and honor the important role women have played in American history. Across the country, there are events and celebrations to recognize this. The federal government supports these efforts through organizations like the Library of Congress, National Archives, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
There are a variety of in-person and virtual events to attend
If you want to celebrate Women’s History Month, you have lots of options. In the past, there were events like a Women Filmmakers Festival by the Smithsonian Institution, talks by authors about Eleanor Roosevelt, and historical reenactments by the National Archives. You can find a list of 2024 activities and exhibitions on the government’s Women’s History Month website.
Since 1995, every sitting president has issued a Women’s History Month proclamation
Since President Carter’s first Women’s History Week proclamation, presidents have been issuing annual proclamations for over 25 years, honoring the role of women in U.S. history. In 2021, President Joe Biden’s proclamation focused on COVID and the historic election of Vice President Kamala Harris.
“In our current crisis, women are still leading. From vaccine researchers to public health officials to the countless heroines on the frontlines, women are working nonstop to defeat COVID-19,” he said. “This year also marks a historic milestone in women’s leadership, with the inauguration of America’s first woman vice president, 232 years in the making.” In 2022, President Biden’s proclamation centered on gender equality and economic equality for women after the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was passed.
Every Women’s History Month has a theme
The National Women’s History Project announces a theme for Women’s History Month every year. In 2023, the theme was “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” which honored women who have been active in media and storytelling. This includes print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, and more. These women have used their talents to create art, seek truth, and show what it means to be human. This year, the theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” It honors women across the country who work to make sure everyone is treated fairly and equally, and that bias and discrimination are eliminated from our lives and institutions.
Canada celebrates Women’s History Month in October
Women’s History Month is mostly celebrated in the United States, but some other countries also have their own versions. Canada, for example, has celebrated since 1992. They chose October because of a historic court case on October 18, 1929. This case changed Canadian law to include women in the definition of “persons.” Before, “persons” only meant men. This ruling gave Canadian women many new opportunities, like being able to serve in the Senate.
International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world
Countries like the United Kingdom and Australia celebrate Women’s History Month in March, just like the United States. But International Women’s Day is celebrated more widely around the world. Places like Cuba, Georgia, and Armenia also recognize it. The United Nations has officially supported this day since 1975. They say it’s a time to understand that peace, social progress, and human rights need women to be involved equally. It’s also a time to appreciate how women contribute to making peace and security around the world stronger.
Women’s History Month is an opportunity to draw attention to inequality
Even though it’s called Women’s History Month, it’s not just about the past. It’s also about the future. During the month, especially on International Women’s Day, activists talk about the injustices women still deal with and raise awareness about gender inequality. People come together to march and protest, reminding everyone that there’s still a long way to go before we achieve equality.
