5 Things and Thoughts in Celebration of Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month is dedicated to reflecting on the contributions and influence of women throughout American history. Our schools and communities engage in celebration and learning, seeking to reveal and share lesser-known facts and fascinating insights about this special month.

So, did you know these five things?

1.??? Women’s History Month began as a daylong celebration. The?first National Woman’s History Day?took place on February 28, 1909, in New York City. It commemorated the one-year anniversary of the 15,000 women who marched in the garment workers’ strikes. It was established as a holiday in 1911. (weareteachers.com )

2.??? Women's History Month originated as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28, which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982, as “Women’s History Week.” Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week.”

In 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9, which designated March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month.?

Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields. (womenshistorymonth.gov )?

3.??? The National Women’s History Month’s theme for 2024 celebrates “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions. Women from every background have long realized that an uneven playing field will never bring equality or justice. Many feel the critical need to speak up and work harder for fairness in our institutions and social interactions.?

In 2024, we will recognize the example of women who are committed to embracing everyone and excluding no one in our common quest for freedom and opportunity. They know that people change with the help of families, teachers, and friends and that young people, in particular, need to learn the value of hearing from different voices with different points of view as they grow up.

Today, equity, diversity, and inclusion are powerful driving forces that have a wide-ranging impact on our country. As members of families, civic and community groups, businesses, and legislative bodies, women are at the forefront of reevaluating the status quo. They are looking anew at what harmful social policies and behaviors exist and, often subtly, determine our future. In response, women in communities across the nation are helping to develop innovative programs and projects within corporations, the military, federal agencies, and educational organizations to address these injustices. (Nationalwomenhistoryalliance.org )

4.??? Why do we celebrate Women’s History Month? We celebrate Women's History Month to remind everyone of the achievements of women throughout the years in our culture and society and why it's important to study them and their important moments in history.?From science ?to politics?to entertainment , it is a chance to reflect on the?trailblazing women ?who lead the way for change. (people.com )

5.??? What are the key dates to note during Women’s History Month? (people.com )

·?????? International Women's Day?is celebrated on March 8th and was established as a holiday in 1911.

·?????? The first major march on Washington by suffragists happened on March 3, 1913.

·?????? The National Woman's Party was formed in March 1917.?The group was dedicated to getting women the right to vote.

·?????? Title IX was passed on March 1, 1972. In fact, the first-ever Women's History Week was created to bolster support for Title IX, which prohibited discrimination due to sex in federally funded education programs.

·?????? The Equal Rights Amendment was passed?in the Senate on March 22, 1972.

Join the Women’s Business Council!

The mission of the Women’s Business Council is to cultivate an inclusive community that empowers, educates, and advances all women as leaders.

The Women’s Business Council promotes the full participation and leadership of women at all levels in the workplace,?the?community and government, and develops programs that provide opportunities for women to learn and network as well as?share their expertise with each other and to address the unique issues of women in business.

If you’re looking to learn more about the Women’s Business Council,?e-mail?Jennifer Sims?or call 518.431.1418 to learn more!