Women's History Month: History of Women's History Month

In the 1970s and prior, women’s history was virtually an unknown topic in the American education system and the general public consciousness. In response, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women planned and executed a “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978. The organizers selected the week of March 8 to correspond with International Women’s Day. 

The weeklong celebration highlighted women’s contributions to American history, culture, and society through presentations at dozens of schools throughout Sonoma County, California. Hundreds of students participated in an essay contest honoring local women, and the organization hosted a parade in downtown Santa Rosa.

Women march during Women's History Week in Sonoma County, California, in an undated photo (NWHA)

As word quickly spread across the nation, state departments of education encouraged celebrations of "National Women’s History Week" as an effective means to achieving equity goals within classrooms. Within a few years, thousands of schools and communities were celebrating "National Women’s History Week," supported and encouraged by resolutions from governors, city councils, school boards, and the U.S. Congress.

By 1986, 14 states had already declared March as "Women’s History Month." In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month in response to the movement's momentum thus far. 

A special Presidential Proclamation is issued every year which honors the extraordinary achievements of American women. (National Women's History Alliance)

While Women's History Month is specific to the United States of America, International Women's Day (IWD) is a specific day dedicated to the advancement of women worldwide. Over 25 countries recognize IWD as an official holiday, most recently by Nepal in 2010. Organizations like the United Nations and UBESCO also recognize IWD.

IWD celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, and calls to action for accelerating gender equality. 

IWD has a long and powerful history of collective action, with the very first IWD held in 1911. In 2025, IWD continues to see exponential globalized growth as a prolific, mainstream movement participated in by millions worldwide. Celebrities, world leaders, major brands, governments, and many diverse groups collectively support IWD in their vastly different and highly varied ways, demonstrating he adaptability of IWD in addressing global, regional, and organizational priorities each year. 

1978

The Sonoma County Commission on Women in California initiates the first Women’s History Week, aligning with International Women’s Day on March 8th

1980

The National Women’s History Project (NWHP) is founded, with the goal of bringing women’s history into the mainstream and expanding the concept of Women’s History Week nationwide.

1981

President Jimmy Carter issues the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 2-8, 1980, as Women's History Week. 

1987

Congress passes Public Law 100-9, designating March as “Women’s History Month.”

President Reagan issues a Presidential Proclamation proclaiming March 1987 as "Women's History Month." 

1988-1994

Congress passes additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month.

1995

The starting year of each president issuing an annual proclamation designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.”