Women’s History Month

By Tabitha Ervin
FWIS Editorial Director

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by a presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history. I, of course, took this opportunity to do a little research on how this month came to be as I reflect on the wonderful women in my family, my friends as well as women I work with and women in our community. What amazing and incredible women I have had the privilege to encounter in my time on this earth so far!

Growing up, my mom was strong, powerful, bold, compassionate and a helper which we call a servant leader. I don’t mind regularly sharing her story and the impact that she had on me through just being herself, a woman God and a woman of service. As I reflect, I watched her raise my two siblings and I with my dad in a no-nonsense, future-focused way that created the energy in me that I could do and be whatever I wanted even when life threw stones or bricks or I made some mistakes as long as I worked hard and kept God first. Her tenacity and courage was shown to me everyday as she tells stories of growing up in the 1950s-1970s at times when contention amongst people and communities was the standard of the day. She has also dealt with her own challenges and never shown weakness and still got things done when her impaired vision said otherwise. From completing her college degree as an adult after we were well into our young adult lives to learning how to drive in her 30s and battling her way back from a traumatic car accident now almost 20 years ago.

She has always put her best foot forward for those who need help and gone above and beyond the call of duty. When we honor women around us this month, I want to make sure to shine a light on my own mother for all that I am and all that I hope to be is because of her!

Now on to the background of Women's History Month!

www.history.com Women’s History Month began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California. The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women planned and executed a “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978. The organizers selected the week of March 8 to correspond with International Women’s Day. The movement spread across the country as other communities initiated their own Women’s History Week celebrations the following year.

In 1980, a consortium of women’s groups and historians—led by the National Women’s History Project (now the National Women's History Alliance)—successfully lobbied for national recognition. In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8th 1980 as National Women’s History Week.

Subsequent Presidents continued to proclaim a National Women’s History Week in March until 1987 when Congress passed Public Law 100-9, designating March 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, each president has issued an annual proclamation designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.”

International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women, took place for the first time on March 8, 1911. Many countries around the world celebrate the holiday with demonstrations, educational initiatives and customs such as presenting women with gifts and flowers.

The United Nations has sponsored International Women’s Day since 1975. When adopting its resolution on the observance of International Women’s Day, the United Nations General Assembly cited the following reasons: “To recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security.”

The National Women's History Alliance designates a yearly theme for Women's History Month. The 2024 theme celebrates “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” This theme recognizes women who understand the need to eliminate bias and discrimination from individuals' lives and institutions.

Inspiring Quotes for Women's History Month

“Women are like teabags. We don’t know our true strength until we are in hot water.” – Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962), political figure, diplomat, activist, First Lady.

"The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity," Amelia Earhart (1897-1937), aviation pioneer.

“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.” – Rosa Parks (1913-2005), civil rights activist.

"If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." - Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005), U.S. Congresswoman.

“My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou (1928-2014), memoirist, poet, civil rights activist.

“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.” – Madeleine Albright (1937-2022), U.S. Secretary of State.

“Champions keep playing until they get it right.” – Billie Jean King (1943 - ), tennis champion.

"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." - Alice Walker (1944 - ), novelist, short story writer, poet, social activist.

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”

Malala Yousafzai (1997- ), Pakistani female education activist, Nobel Peace Prize laureate.