Womens History Month

Each year, March is officially recognized as Women’s History Month through a presidential proclamation, dedicated to celebrating the contributions of women throughout American history.

Womens History Month Originated as Womens History Week It all began in Santa Rosa, California, where the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women organized a local celebration known as “Women’s History Week” in 1978. To align with International Women’s Day, they selected the week of March 8 for the event. The initiative quickly gained momentum, inspiring other communities to host their own celebrations the following year.

In 1980, a coalition of women’s groups and historians, spearheaded by the National Women’s History Project (now the National Women’s History Alliance), successfully advocated for national recognition. As a result, in February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation, designating the week of March 8, 1980, as National Women’s History Week.

Their campaign achieved success when, in February 1980, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed March 2–8, 1980, as National Women’s History Week. In his message to the nation, he stated:

“From the first settlers who came to our shores… men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung, and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America were as vital as those of the men whose names we know so well.” – Jimmy Carter

Six years later, under President Ronald Reagan and a coalition of strong women, National Women’s History Week became an established reality. Here is an excerpt from his proclamation:

“From earliest times, women have helped shape our Nation. Historians today emphasize the significant role women have played in our national life, but we should all remember, with pride and gratitude, the achievements of women throughout American history.

These accomplishments span a wide range of human endeavors and have not been achieved without the quiet courage and sacrifices of millions of women, some renowned and many unknown. Women have made their mark in business and professions, and today they outnumber men as undergraduates in our colleges and universities. Women have fought for moral and social reform and have actively participated in and led many significant social and political movements in our country.” – Ronald Reagan

This year, Women’s History Month’s theme is Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations.

Foenerations of women is r myself, the woman who inspired and my hero, Amelia Earhart for her groundbreaking American aviator. On July 2, 1937, she vanished over the Pacific Ocean while striving to become the first woman to fly around the globe.

Tell me what women in histroy is your hero and why?