Women’s History Month celebrates the contributions of women in history. Internationally, March is recognized as Women’s History Month. It can be traced back to the first International Women’s Day held on March 8,1911. Women’s History Month highlights the arduous journey women have endured for equal rights. It is an essential and indispensable heritage from which we can draw pride, comfort, courage, and long-range vision.
However, women have not always been recognized for their sacrifices, achievements, leadership, courage, and strength even though their contributions have been vital to the growth of the United States and the world.
In 1980, then President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the week of March 8th National Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress expanded Women’s History Week into Women’s History Month after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project.
In President Jimmy Carter’s proclamation, he stated, “From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation.”
Women like Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Lucy Stone, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Harriet Tubman, Mary Church Terrell and Alice Paul understood the true history of our country and the need for equality under the law for all people.
We must continue to support the women that picked up the baton for equality and carried on the legacy. Women like Coretta Scott King,
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Kamala Harris, Malala Yousafzai, Oprah Winfrey, Springfield’s own Council woman Monica Horton and Gubernatorial candidate Crystal Quade, just to name a few of the many women whose shoulders we are standing on. Women who have the courage to stand against opposing views and use their voices for change.
The 2025 theme from the National Women’s History Alliance is, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations” focuses on women in both the past and present who have influenced and inspired others by dedicating their lives to education, mentorship and leadership.
As we celebrate Woman’s History Month, let’s continue to share the dynamic achievements of women from all over the world.
Ways to Celebrate Women’s History Month:
- Celebrate the women in your community that hold positions in government and leadership
- Share your story or encourage women to share theirs
- Read a book by a female author
- Take your favorite ladies out to lunch
- Mentor a young woman
- Watch a documentary on a history-making woman
- Practice self-care or encourage a woman in your life to prioritize a need
- Write a thank you note to an influential woman in your life
By Gwen Marshall,
UniteNews Contributing Writer
