National Women's Month
Happy National Women’s Month!
This month, we celebrate and honor women all over the world who have historically contributed to building the foundation of contemporary society. We thought this would be an amazing opportunity to shed light on women in the workforce. This month, we will honor and discover women who have contributed to positive change in the workforce, while also recognizing many issues women still face while working. But before we begin, let’s have a small history lesson on how National Women’s Month began and why it is important.
National Observance
Since 1987, the United States has nationally recognized and observed National Women’s Month annually every March. “The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.”
The US also celebrates this phenomenon with the United Kingdom and Australia in correspondence with International Women’s Day, which is commemorated on March 8th since 1911. The United Nations General Assembly has sponsored this event since 1975 for the following reasons: “To recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality, and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security.”
So how did Women’s Day influence and transpire into a full month? Let’s discuss below.
In The Beginning
It is the year 1978 in beautiful Northern California. A week-long celebration of women’s contributions to history, society, and culture begins with parades and contests organized by Sonoma school district in downtown Santa Rosa. Everyone is excited as they watch the hard work and effort students put in as 100s of them perform and give presentations. Some even participated in a “Real Woman” essay contest. With many laughs, tears, and proud hearts beating, this week-long event caught the attention of many school districts and communities across the US.
This celebration eventually caught the eyes of President Jimmy Carter. He later issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week. Congress approved the following year, establishing it as a national celebration. Six years later, the week was extended to a full month after the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned, and that was the beginning of National Women’s Month as we know it today.
Why National Women's Month is Important
Stating the obvious, Women’s Month is a time to recognize so many women who are often overlooked for making history. Women, both seen and unseen, are known as the healers and nurturers of this earth. Women such as Abigail Adams, Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Blackwell, Claudette Colvin, and so many more are frequently overlooked for what they have contributed to making the United States a better place to live.
So this month, we will discuss topics such as women in the military and as first responders, women’s pay scale history, women in the workforce, and more. So be sure to subscribe below and check back next week as we continue to celebrate National Women’s Month!
Why National Women's Month is Important
What is your company doing this year to celebrate/honor National Women’s Month? Below are some ideas. For additional ideas, check out Grow Ensemble.
1. Support Female Entrepreneurs
2. Read Books By Female Authors
3. Support a Women’s Nonprofit Organization
4. Recognize, Share & Uplift Women by Telling/Writing a Thank You Note to Show Your Appreciation
5. Watch/Listen to Movies/TV shows/Podcasts Created by Women