National Theme: “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Substantial Future” March is Women’s History Month. Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. Before it was Women’s History Month, it was Women’s History Week, and before that, it was only a day. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history. In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity.
The theme reminds us that women are leading the change in our future to create a future rooted in equality, justice, and opportunity for all. We have many issues and challenges that we are facing today, such as economic security, health care issues, environmental concerns, financial concerns, and other concerns that women are getting involved in and working to find solutions to shape a sustainable future. Women’s History Month highlights the contributions of women who have dedicated themselves to improving the lives of others through their dedication and work. This annual observance is an opportunity to learn and celebrate our great leaders, activists, and pioneers who have worked to ensure that future generations will learn and celebrate the difference that women have made in our society.
Notable contributions made by women
Joy Harjo (1951 present) has written poetry books, plays, memoirs and children’s books. An American Sunrise is a collection of poems about the Mvskoke people. She is the first Native American to serve as Poet Laureate for the United States and served three terms.
Toni Morrison (1939-2019): American novelist and essayist, Toni Morrison is the first Black woman in history to receive the Nobel Prize in literature. One of the most celebrated authors in the world, Morrison received national acclaim for her book Song of Solomon, which went on to win the National Black Critics Circle Award. Morrison later won the Pulitzer Prize for her book Beloved, was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature in 1993, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2012.
Lily Ledbetter (1968-Present): A powerful activist for women’s pay equality, Lily Ledbetter filed suit in 1998 against Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, her former employer, due to being paid significantly lower than her male colleagues. The court went on to rule against her in 2007, claiming the suit had to be brought within six months of the discrimination occurring. She fought back, making the case that she hadn’t discovered the discrepancy until several years later. Her story caught the attention of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who helped enact The Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.
Shirley Chisholm(1928-2005):
The first African American woman elected to the US Congress (1968) and the first woman and African American to seek the nomination for president of the United States from one of the two major political parties (1972). She was an outspoken advocate for women and minorities during her seven terms in the US House of Representatives.
Patsy Mink (19272002): Patsy Mink was an American attorney and politician from the state of Hawaii. She was the first woman of color and first Asian American elected to the US Congress (1964).
She was the first woman of color and first Asian American elected to the US Congress (1964). She was instrumental in introducing various legislation measures that would reform the US education system, including the Early Childhood Education Act and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Gloria Steinem (1934- ): Gloria Steinem is a social and political activist who became nationally recognized as a leader and spokeswoman for the American feminist movement in the late 1960s and 1970s. She currently works as an organizer, lecturer, and advocate for issues of women’s rights and equality around the world.
