In Santa Rosa, California, a quiet but transformative celebration began in 1978 that would eventually sweep across the nation as Women’s History Month. What started as a local weeklong observance strategically aligned with International Women’s Day on March 8 soon caught the attention of communities nationwide.
This grassroots movement, born from a desire to acknowledge women’s contributions to American society, demonstrates how local initiative can blossom into national recognition when the cause resonates deeply with people’s sense of justice and historical awareness.
The History
By 1980, the movement had gained such momentum that women’s groups and historians began actively lobbying for formal national recognition. Their efforts bore fruit when President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation designating March 2-8, 1980, as National Women’s History Week.
In his statement, Carter urged Americans to honor pioneers who fought for equality—visionaries like Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, and Harriet Tubman—acknowledging that understanding women’s true historical contributions was essential for achieving full equality under the law for all citizens.
The transition from a week to a month-long observance reflected a growing awareness of women’s extensive yet often overlooked contributions to American history.
Congress continued to pass annual resolutions for Women’s History Week until 1987, when the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned for expanded recognition. Their advocacy proved instrumental in persuading Congress to pass a joint resolution designating March as Women’s History Month. President Ronald Reagan formalized this decision with a presidential proclamation that called upon “all Americans to mark this month with appropriate observances to honor the achievements of American women.”
Women’s History Today
Today, Women’s History Month continues to change with annual themes that guide celebrations and educational initiatives nationwide. The 2025 theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” celebrates women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership.
This focus recognizes that women’s influence extends beyond their individual achievements to include how they have nurtured and developed future generations through teaching, guidance, and example—creating effects that continue to shape our society in profound ways.
Communities across the country now embrace this observance through a variety of activities designed to honor women’s historical and contemporary contributions. Schools implement biography projects and inclusive lessons highlighting diverse women’s achievements. Libraries feature special collections of women’s literature and host discussions about female authors and their impact. Museums curate exhibitions showcasing women’s art, scientific discoveries, and political activism.
These celebrations serve not only to acknowledge past achievements but also to inspire future generations by demonstrating what women have accomplished despite historical barriers to their participation in public life.
For families and individuals wanting to participate in Women’s History Month, the National Women’s History Alliance suggests numerous accessible activities. Book clubs focusing on women authors or historical figures provide opportunities for community discussion and deeper understanding. Biographical research projects help young people discover inspirational role models from diverse backgrounds.
Family history investigations uncover the often untold stories of the women in our own lineages who shaped our personal histories through their courage, resilience, and determination in everyday circumstances.
