Women's
History Month, in March, is an annual declared month that highlights the
contributions of women to events in history and their accomplishments
throughout history and in contemporary society.
Growing out
of a small-town school event in California, Women’s History Month is a
celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society. The
United States has observed it annually throughout the month of March since
1987.
“Working
to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government” is the theme for National Women’s
History Month 2016.
The National Women’s History
Month theme for 2016 honors women who have shaped America’s history and its
future through their public service and government leadership. Although often
overlooked and undervalued, collectively they have dramatically influenced our
public policy and the building of viable institutions and organizations. From
championing basic human rights to ensuring access and equal opportunity for all
Americans, they have led the way in establishing a stronger and more democratic
country.
Each of these public leaders
succeeded against great odds. The diversity of their experiences demonstrates
both the challenges and the opportunities women in public service have faced.
Their ability to use the art of collaboration to create inclusive solutions and
non-partisan policies, as well as their skill and determination, serve to
inspire future generations. The tenacity of each Honoree underlines the fact
that women from all cultural backgrounds in all levels of public service and
government are essential in the continuing work of forming a more perfect
union.
About Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month in the United States grew out of a weeklong
celebration of women’s contributions to culture, history and society organized
by the school district of Sonoma, California,
in 1978. Presentations were given at dozens of schools, hundreds of students
participated in a “Real Woman” essay contest and a parade was held in downtown
Santa Rosa.
A few years later, the idea had caught on within communities, school
districts and organizations across the country. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential
proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week.
The U.S. Congress followed suit the next year, passing a resolution
establishing a national celebration. Six years later, the National Women’s
History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the event to the
entire month of March.
To know more about Women’s History Month:
2016 National Women’s History Month Honorees
Sister Mary Madonna
Ashton, CSJ
(1923-Present)
Public Health Leader and Minnesota Commissioner of Health
Daisy Bates
(1912-1999)
Civil Rights Organizer, Leader of the Little Rock School Integration
Sonia Pressman
Fuentes
(1928 – Present)
NOW co-founder, first woman attorney in the Office of the General Counsel
at the EEOC
Isabel Gonzalez
(1882-1971)
Champion of Puerto Ricans securing American Citizenship
Ella Grasso
(1919-1981)
Governor of Connecticut, First Woman Governor of any US State Elected in
Her Own Right
Suzan Shown Harjo
(1945 –
Present)
Native American Public Policy Advocate and Journalist
Judy Hart
(1941- Present)
National Park Founding Superintendent of Rosie the Riveter World War II
Home Front National Historical Parkand Women’s Rights National Historical Park
Oveta Culp Hobby
(1905-1995)
WWII Director of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps and first Secretary of
the US Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Barbara Mikulski
(1936 –
Present)
Longest Serving Woman in the United States Congress
Inez Milholland
(1886-1916)
Woman Suffrage Leader and Martyr
Karen Narasaki
(1958 – Present )
Civil and Human Rights Leader
Nancy Grace Roman
(1925 –
Present)
Chief of Astronomy at NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
Nadine Smith
(1965 – Present)
LGBT Civil Rights Activist and Executive Director of Equality Florida
Dorothy C
Stratton
(1899-2006)
WWII Director of the SPARS (Coast Guard Women’s Reserve),
First full-time Dean of Women at Purdue University, and Executive Director
of the Girl Scouts of the USA
Betty Mae
‘Pa-Tuth-Kee’ Tiger Jumper
(1922-2011),)
First woman elected Chairperson of the Seminole Tribe
becoming the first female ‘Tribal Chief’ in North America
About
Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month in the United States grew out of a weeklong
celebration of women’s contributions to culture, history and society organized
by the school district of Sonoma, California,
in 1978. Presentations were given at dozens of schools, hundreds of students
participated in a “Real Woman” essay contest and a parade was held in downtown
Santa Rosa.
A few years later, the idea had caught on within communities, school
districts and organizations across the country. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential
proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week.
The U.S. Congress followed suit the next year, passing a resolution
establishing a national celebration. Six years later, the National Women’s
History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the event to the
entire month of March.
To know more about Women’s History Month:
