When many think of the month of March, things like St. Patrick’s Day, spring break, and the beginning of spring usually come to mind. While all these things can be celebrated, there is something else worth celebrating as well: Women’s History Month.
Though women have made many accomplishments throughout history, the creation of a dedicated event is recent. The celebration originated in the 1970s as Women’s History Week. One of the largest was in Sonoma County, Calif. in 1978. The event was exclusive to the area and involved an essay contest, a parade, and more. However, the week did not become an official and national occasion until President Jimmy Carter’s Presidential Proclamation in 1980. It gained a lot of support and in 1987, Women’s History Week became Women’s History Month.
The month is dedicated to bringing attention to the impact that women have had on our culture and promoting the rights and empowerment of women. This is especially important because there is a lack of teaching about women’s history in schools. The goal of the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women was to change that, even if it was one school at a time. Because of what they did, we now have an entire month dedicated to filling in the gaps and celebrating women.
There is even more widespread dedication to Women’s History Month today. The National Women’s History Alliance has the task of determining the theme for each year’s celebration, with the 2022 theme being “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.”
Though the timing of the celebration of Women’s History Month varies for some (Canada celebrates in October), International Women’s Day still occurs on March 8 every year. This dates to even before the declaration; it has been observed, both formally and informally, since 1911.
Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on the impact many women have made in society, past and present, while also celebrating the women in our lives. There are many ways to celebrate Women’s History Month from learning about influential women in music, education, health, etc., consuming media made by women, to finding and supporting women who are running for office locally.
Carly Webster
Reporter