Why we celebrate Women’s History Month

This tribute honors the strength, courage, and the legacy of women

(News4usOnline) – Women in history have triumphed time and time again, breaking barriers and proving their strength, intelligence, and resilience. Despite being overlooked and denied equal opportunities for generations, they have never stopped pushing forward. 

Women have shown the world that they are more than just housewives—they are innovators, leaders, and pioneers, shaping history through groundbreaking inventions, political movements, and cultural revolutions.

Today, more than ever, women continue to rise, making their mark in every field and proving that their contributions are essential to progress. From nurses and doctors to engineers, police officers, and construction workers, women are excelling in every industry. 

If not for the courageous trailblazers who paved the way, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Because of them, we have come this far—and we will continue to push forward.

According to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, Women’s History Month originated in 1978 in Santa Rosa, California. The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women launched “Women’s History Week” during the week of March 8 to coincide with International Women’s Day. 

This initiative aimed to address the absence of women’s history in school curricula and public consciousness.

The movement gained momentum, and in 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. The following year, Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28, officially recognizing the observance. By 1986, 14 states had declared March as Women’s History Month.

 In 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress designated March as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity. Since then, annual presidential proclamations have honored the extraordinary achievements of American women during this month-long celebration.

Throughout history, women have significantly shaped our society. For example, Frida Kahlo (1907–1954), a Mexican painter known for her striking self-portraits and works inspired by Mexican culture and nature, became a symbol for feminist and LGBTQ+ movements.

Rosa Parks (1913–2005), often referred to as “the mother of the civil rights movement,” became an iconic figure when she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus in 1955, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Nita Lowey (1937–2025) was a trailblazing U.S. Congresswoman from New York. Serving from 1989 to 2021, she was the first woman to chair the House Appropriations Committee. She was known for her advocacy on social issues, including women’s health and biomedical research.

Lastly, Maya Angelou (1928–2014), an American poet and civil rights activist, became an inspiration to generations. Her works, including her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, have had a lasting impact.

 As we celebrate Women’s History Month in 2025, its historical significance continues to inspire women to lead within the workforce and industry, ensuring that their voices remain at the forefront of progress.

At this very moment, women continue to achieve great things, earning recognition like never before. Despite the challenges posed by today’s political climate, women persist in breaking down barriers of oppression.