The evolution of Women’s History Month
1978–The Education
Task force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission
on the Status of Women initiated a “Women’s
History Week” celebration. March 8, International
Women’s Day, was selected as the focal point to
ensure that the events and celebration would include
a multicultural perspective, recognize the connection
between and among all women, and celebrate the important
role of women in the paid labor force.
1980–President Jimmy Carter issued
a Presidential Message to the American people, encouraging
the recognition and celebration of women’s historic
accomplishments during the week of March 8, Women’s
History Week.
1987–At the request of women’s
organizations, museums, libraries, youth leaders, and
educators throughout the country, the National Women’s
History Project successfully petitioned Congress to
expand the national celebrations to the entire month
of March. A National Women’s History Month Resolution
was quickly approved with strong bipartisan support
in both the House and Senate.
1992–A
Presidential Proclamation has carried the directive
for what is now a major national and international celebration.
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How Women Change America
The 2005, Women’s
History Month theme, “Women Change America,”
honors and recognizes the role of American women in
transforming culture, history and politics as leaders,
writers, scientists, educators, politicians, artists,
historians, and informed citizens. “Women Change
America” also celebrates the myriad ways in which
the spirit, courage, and contributions of American women
have added to the vitality, richness, and diversity
of American life. In 2005, all previous Women’s
History Week and Month Honorees will be recognized and
celebrated as we explore how “Women Change America.”
Encourage girls in your troop to add
to the student Honor Roll of Notable Women on Scholastic’s
Web Site (www.scholastic.com). Girls can review a list
of women achievers, choose a woman they feel is deserving
of the honor, then research and write an essay describing
her achievements. The essays are submitted to Scholastic
for publication on their site. All submissions that
fulfill the requirements of the project will be posted
online, and a selection of these will be posted on the
National Women’s History Project Web site as well.
See the following page for a list
of honorees. |
non-participants
in the events of the world. National Women’s History Month
provides a positive model to reclaim women’s place in
school and community consciousness.