In the United States, the month of March is nationally regarded as a time of recognition for the impact and contributions of women throughout history. The month also envelops International Women’s Day, which is celebrated annually on March 8. This celebration sheds awareness on how women have broken barriers restricting them in society and the achievements they made along the way, which can be crucial for a commonly oppressed group of people.

History of the National Celebration

The origins of Women’s History Month lie in an originally weeklong celebration in the school district of Sonoma, California in 1978. Presentations, essay contests, and parades caught the attention of many other school districts, even in other states. Popularity grew until President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week in 1980. The following year, Congress passed a resolution clarifying the recognition as a national celebration. Six years later, the National Women’s History Project petitioned to extend the event to the entire month of March; they won. Afterward, the celebration broadened and the National Women’s History Alliance announced a yearly theme, with the theme of 2024 being “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” The month has historically also encompassed International Women’s Day, which took place for the first time on March 8, 1911, and has been sponsored by the United Nations each year since 1975. 

The Importance of Recognition

In looking at the reasoning behind the celebration itself, the dedication is intended to honor the contributions made by women of all backgrounds throughout history. Over time, women of various life experiences have dealt with discrimination, oppression, and obstacles that existed merely because of their sex. On many levels, discrimination based on sex still exists today, making it all the more important for the barrier-breakers of history to be highlighted. For women, the recognition of women’s history is a longstanding tie to women’s rights and the hard efforts of those who came before, consequently offering feelings of pride, comfort, and a vision for the future. 

Highlighting Women Throughout Time

Abagail Adams urged her husband, John Adams, and the Continental Congress to “remember the ladies and be more favorable to them than you ancestors.”

Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott were two of the organizers of the Seneca Falls Convention.

Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman to graduate from medical school and become a doctor in the United States. 

Sojourner Truth was a former enslaved worker who became an abolitionist and women’s rights activist who gave the famous, “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech. 

Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton founded the National Women’s Suffrage Association, which later joined the American Women’s Suffrage Association to form the National American Women’s Suffrage Association.

Margaret Sanger opened the first birth control clinic in the U.S.

Jeannette Rankin was the first woman elected to Congress as a member of the House of Representatives. 

Rosa Parks helped to inspire the Civil Rights movement when she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a white man.

Betty Friedan helped to create the National Organization for Women.

Sandra Day O’Connor was the first woman elected to the Supreme Court.

Sally Ride was the first American woman in space. 

Geraldine Ferraro was the first vice president nominee by a major party in 1984 (named by Walter Mondale).

Janet Rano was the first female attorney general for the U.S.

Madeline Albright was the first female secretary of state for the U.S.

Nancy Pelosi was the first female speaker of the House.

Hillary Clinton was the first woman to receive a presidential nomination from a major political party.

Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first woman and first woman of color vice president in the United States. 

Many other women throughout history have contributed immensely to the development of the world into what we know today, and there are sure to be countless more as time progresses. In the month of March, it is important to recognize these beautiful individuals who fought for their beliefs and changed the world.