Image provided from dissentmagazine.org At the NYC Women’s Strike for Equality, August 26, 1970 (She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry / handout)

What is Women’s History Month?

You probably have heard much about Women’s History Month, but what exactly is it? Women’s contributions and achievements to American history date back to the founding of the country, but these milestones are often overlooked, and this is the ultimate driving force behind Women’s History Month – to dedicate a month to highlighting, celebrating, and honoring women who contributed and still contributing to the infrastructural and economic power of the nation. Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation.

The Women’s History Month Timeline

  • The idea emerged within communities, school districts, and organizations nationwide.
  • In 1975, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the observance of March 8, International Women’s Day.
  • In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 National Women’s History Week.
  • In 1987, Congress turned this week’s celebration into a month-long event! The National Women’s History Alliance spearheaded March to be declared National Women’s History Month.