March

From the National Archives EEO Special Observances Page

National Women's History Month

Authority: Public Law 103-22, 107 Stat. 58 and Executive Order 11375

National Women's History Month was established by presidential proclamation in order to draw attention to and improve the focus on women in historical studies. It began in New York City on March 8, 1857, when female textile workers marched in protest of unfair working conditions and unequal rights for women. It was one of the first organized strikes by working women, during which they called for a shorter work day and decent wages. Also on March 8, in 1908, women workers in the needle trades marched through New York City's Lower East Side to protest child labor, sweatshop working conditions, and demand women's suffrage. Beginning in 1910, March 8 became annually observed as International Women's Day. Women's History Week was instituted in 1978 in an effort to begin adding women's history into educational curricula. In 1987, the National Women's History Project successfully petitioned Congress to include all of March as a celebration of the economic, political and social contributions of women.

March is recognized nationally as Women’s History Month, and the theme for this year’s month is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope”. You can learn more about the theme and associated efforts and resources from the National Women’s HIstory Alliance. Included in the month of March is International Women’s Day, on Tuesday, March 8 with the theme #BreakTheBias.

Peruse these resources from sites like the Anti-Defamation League, Edutopia, and the Library of Congress to increase knowledge and awareness of the contributions and roles of women throughout our history for yourself and for your learners.