Women’s History Month: What Is It & Why Do We Celebrate it?

March is Women’s History Month, a time to commemorate and encourage the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.

By highlighting women who have made a difference in history, it opens up that world of possibilities to young girls. It is also a month to share inspiring stories to salute the countless women who have made – and continue to make – an impact in their communities, their nation, and the world.

Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.