A History of Women's History Month

As we approach the end of March and the 40th Women's History Month, I wanted to look back and discuss how and why this month came to fruition. Although the month officially started in 1981 with a presidential proclamation from Jimmy Carter, there is a lot more history behind it.

In 1978, a school teacher, Holly McGregor, in the school district of Sonoma, California, began the tradition of Women's History Week because she was appalled at the practically nonexistent amount of female history present in textbooks. The week was a celebration of women’s contributions to culture, history, and society. Across the state, the idea started to spread, resulting in the commencement of an essay contest and a parade that was held in Santa Rosa, California. The movement kept expanding across the nation, until, in 1981, President Jimmy Carter made a proclamation that the week of March 8th would commemorate National Women’s History Week. Then, President Reagan issued another proclamation to establish it as an annual celebration.

Now, how did the week turn into a month? Through the work and petitioning of the Women's National History Project, Congress extended the national holiday to the entire month of March in 1987. Furthermore, Congress required the president to proclaim March as National Women's History Month every year.

"We celebrate Women's History Month to remind ourselves of the accomplishments of women throughout the years to our culture and society. From science to politics, it's a chance to reflect on the trailblazing women who lead the way for change" - Andrea Wurzburger.

Another frequently asked question is why the month is specifically March. On February 28th, 1908, thousands of women marched for the right to vote in New York City. This also relates to the theme for Women's History Month 2021: "Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to be Silenced." A little more than 100 years ago, the 19th amendment was passed, finally granting women the right to vote. The theme recognizes the countless women who fought in the suffrage movement, the ones who refused to let anyone take away their inalienable rights. Additionally, the original week that Holly McGregor started involved International Women's Day: March 8th. While Women's History Month mostly focuses on the achievements of American women, International Women's Day celebrates women around the world. The holiday started in 1911, and every year there are demonstrations, parades, and other events to honor women and girls.

Although Women's History Month is officially only March, we should always recognize, celebrate, and honor the achievements of women and girls around the world. And we should support and fight for full women's equality every single day.