Women’s History Month

March offers us an opportunity to celebrate Women’s History Month

This annual event honors women’s achievements and contributions throughout history. The theme for the 2024 Women’s History Month, “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion,” highlights the important role women play in promoting equality and diversity in their respective fields.

Women’s History Month originally began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California, organized by the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women. They planned a “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978, choosing the week of March 8 to align with International Women’s Day. The following year, other communities across the country initiated their own Women’s History Week celebrations, which led to a national movement.

In 1980, a consortium of women’s groups and historians, led by the National Women’s History Project (now the National Women’s History Alliance), successfully advocated for national recognition. President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation in February 1980, declaring the week of March 8, 1980, as National Women’s History Week. The tradition continued with subsequent Presidents proclaiming a National Women’s History Week in March until 1987 when Congress passed Public Law 100-9, officially designating March as “Women’s History Month.“

Some key dates associated with Women’s History Month:

• International Women’s Day: Celebrated on March 8, International Women’s Day is a global holiday established in 1911 to honor women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements.
• The first major march on Washington by suffragists: On March 3, 1913, thousands of suffragists marched in Washington, D.C., demanding women’s right to vote. This event played a crucial role in the suffrage movement.
• Formation of the National Woman’s Party: In March 1917, the National Woman’s Party was created. This organization played a significant role in advocating for women’s rights and suffrage.
• Passage of Title IX: On March 1, 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act was signed into law in the United States. This legislation prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational institutions and has had a profound impact on women’s access to education and opportunities in sports.

These dates reflect important milestones and events that have shaped the progress of women’s rights and equality. Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of remarkable women who have made a difference in various areas of life.

Celebrating Women in Medicine & Science at WashU 

• Pioneering Women in the Department of Medicine – Profiles of pioneering women with DOM.
• WU Women in Science – Past and current WU women in medicine and science