Infocus - March is Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month

The history of women often seems to be written with invisible ink. Even when recognized in their own times, women are often not included in the history books.

National Women’s History Month provides an excellent venue to recognize and celebrate women’s historic achievements as well as an opportunity to honor women within our families and communities. What will you do to celebrate National Women’s History Month?

In 1980, President Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation recognizing Women’s History Week. In 1987, the week was expanded to the entire month of March.

Every year, during the month of March, hundreds of thousands of events are held throughout the country to acknowledge and recognize the amazing accomplishments of women.
 
National Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to educate the general public about the significant role of women in American history and contemporary society. Establishing this focal celebration has encouraged schools to introduce new curriculum, and communities to recognize women who have been pivotal in their own communities.

Links and Resources

• Women’s History Month resources from the Library of Congress
• Remarks at the UN Commission on the Status of Women (March 12)
• Secretary Clinton - Interview With CNN's Jill Dougherty (March 12)
• Secretary Clinton - Interview With NBC'S Andrea Mitchell (March 12)
• Secretary Clinton and First Lady Michelle Obama host the annual International Women of Courage Awards at the Department of State (March 10) - Watch Video.
• Secretary Clinton on International Women's Day (March 8) - Watch Video
• Secretary Clinton to Deliver Remarks in Honor of the 15th Anniversary of the UN World Conference on Women in Beijing on March 12 at the United Nations
• Women and Social Movements in the U.S., 1600-2000, Scholar's Edition (free for the month of March)
• Official website for International Women’s Day 2010 – 08 March
• National Women’s History Project – 2010 Theme: Writing Women Back into History. Test your knowledge of women’s history HERE
• Presidential Proclamation for National Women’s Month 2009
• National Organization for Women
• National Women’s Hall of Fame
• Publications: Women of Influence / Rachel Carson: Pen Against Poison