The celebration of women’s history has its origins in the International Women’s Day, first celebrated in Europe on March 8, 1911. In 1978, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County, California, Commission on the Status of Women began a “Women’s History Week” celebration that coincided with International Women’s Day.

In 1980, President Carter issued a Presidential Message supporting this celebration of the accomplishments of women. In 1981, the United States Congress, with bi-partisan support, passed a resolution declaring a National Women’s History Week.

In 1987, the National Women’s History Project petitioned Congress to expand the celebration to the entire month of March. Congress has issued a resolution to celebrate of Women’s History Month every year since then. The President has also issued an annual proclamation for Women’s History Month.

“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. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well,” said President Carter in his proclamation.

International Women’s Day: http://www.internationalwomensday.com/about.asp

Women’s History Month: http://uds.uvm.edu/diversity_calendar.htm

–Vanessa Cabello