We are a little over halfway through the month of March, which means we are a little over halfway through Women’s History Month. This is a time to honor the significant contributions of women both past and present. While the month-long celebration is widely recognized today, its origins trace back to 1978, when the first official event dedicated to women was held in Sonoma, California. This early commemoration, initially a week-long celebration, aimed to highlight the pivotal roles women have played throughout history, culture, and society.
The Sonoma celebration was a local initiative spearheaded by the school district.
It involved a variety of events, including presentations, an essay contest, and a parade in nearby Santa Rosa. This event was designed to engage students and the community in understanding and appreciating women’s impact on the world. The idea of dedicating a week to celebrate women soon caught on, and other schools and communities began organizing similar events.
In 1980, the movement gained national attention when President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. The decision was in recognition of the growing grassroots efforts and the influence of the National Women’s History Project, which played a central role in advocating for this recognition. This week-long celebration continued annually, gaining momentum as Congress passed a resolution to officially support it.
The celebration soon expanded to a full month.
By 1987, the campaign to expand the celebration to a full month succeeded, thanks to persistent lobbying by the National Women’s History Project. That year, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9, which designated the entire month of March as Women’s History Month. This expanded recognition gave the movement a broader platform to celebrate the achievements of women and to raise awareness of the ongoing challenges women face in society.
Each year, the National Women’s History Alliance selects a theme to guide the month’s celebrations. The 2025 theme, “Moving Forward Together,” emphasizes the importance of education, mentorship, and leadership. It celebrates the collective strength of women who have dedicated their lives to shaping the future of generations through education and support. The theme highlights women’s role in empowering others, especially younger generations, to continue the fight for equality and progress.
The timing of Women’s History Month in March is not coincidental.
March 8 is celebrated as International Women’s Day, a global observance that has been recognized by the United Nations since 1975. However, International Women’s Day itself dates back to 1911, marking a long-standing tradition of honoring women’s achievements worldwide. Given the significance of this date, it was a natural choice to extend the celebration into the entire month of March.
