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Stories of Courage, Care, and Change
Women’s History Month, an annual celebration of the history, achievements and contributions of women, takes place every year in March. Women’s History Month began in 1978 as a local celebration in Santa Ana, California as “Women’s History Week; its organizers selected the week of March 8 to align with International Women’s Day. The idea spread across the country and then, in 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8 “Women’s History Week.” Seven years later in 1987, Congress passed a law designating March as “Women’s History Month” and some other countries also began to hold celebrations for Women’s History Month. In this lesson, students will learn about Women’s History Month and its historical context, read and discuss books about women’s history and consider ideas for honoring Women’s History in March and beyond.
The Purpose of Women's History Month
Women’s History Month is celebrated and commemorated every year in March. The goal of Women’s History Month is to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of women throughout history and to highlight gender inequities and the ways they have been and continue to be challenged. Women’s History Month officially began in 1980 when President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the week of March 8 Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress passed a law that authorized the President to proclaim March as Women’s History Month, changing it from a week-long celebration to a full month. This lesson provides an opportunity for students to learn more about the goals and origins of Women’s History Month, explore how sexism manifests in the U.S. and around the globe and reflect on how to commemorate Women’s History Month in March and beyond.