With March nearly over, we do not just wrap up the spring introduction month, we also wrap up Women’s History Month. We hope you have learned a lot about history making women who came before us and history making women who are still making their history. If during this month you have not learned the history behind the month celebration itself, we are happy to tell you all about it!
While the celebration of this month is widespread today, its origins trace back to 1978, when the first official event dedicated to women was held in Sonoma, California. This initial celebration was a week-long event aimed at acknowledging the crucial roles women have played in shaping history, culture, and society.
The Sonoma celebration had a number of activities throughout the week.
The historic celebration actually began as a local initiative spearheaded by the school district. It featured various activities, such as presentations, an essay contest, and a parade in nearby Santa Rosa. The school district leading the celebration wanted students and the community to reflect on women’s influence on the world. The idea of dedicating a week to honor women quickly gained traction, with other schools and communities across the nation organizing similar events after word of the Sonoma event spread.
The celebration reached national leadership by 1980.
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. This proclamation acknowledged the growing grassroots efforts and the influential role of the National Women’s History Project, which had been advocating for this special observance on a national level. The week continued to grow each year, with Congress passing resolutions to officially support the celebration.
The celebration advocacy groups had their biggest success thus far in 1987.
In that year, the campaign to expand the celebration to a full month was successful, largely due to persistent lobbying by the National Women’s History Project. That year, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9, officially designating the entire month of March as Women’s History Month. This expanded observance provided a broader platform to celebrate women’s achievements and raise awareness about the ongoing challenges they face in society.
Did you know the month has a new theme annually?
Each year, the National Women’s History Alliance selects a theme to guide the month’s events and activities. The theme for 2025 was “Moving Forward Together.” The theme sought to display the importance of education, mentorship, and leadership. It honors the collective strength of women who have devoted their lives to shaping the future through supporting and empowering others, particularly younger generations. This theme also emphasizes the role women play in continuing the fight for equality and social progress.