Celebrating Women's History Month and International Women's Day!

Learn more about the history of Women's History Month and International Women's Day.

By Director of Equity and Social Action Jenny Abbey

Women’s History Month
Women's History Month is an annual celebration in March dedicated to honoring the contributions, achievements and struggles of women throughout history .The recognition first began in 1981 as Women’s History Week and expanded to the whole month of March in 1987. The theme for 2024 is “women who advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion.”

During Women's History Month, events, programs, and initiatives highlight the significant roles women have played in shaping society, culture, politics, science, and countless other fields. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality and recognition of women's achievements, as well as an opportunity to educate and raise awareness about women's history and the challenges they have faced and continue to overcome.

International Women’s Day
March 8 marks International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate women’s activism and a commitment to women’s rights. Different countries celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) in various ways. In some countries, it’s an official holiday. In Serbia and Albania, IWD is also Mother’s Day.

The theme for International Women’s Day this year is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” The United Nations website states, “The world is facing many crises, ranging from geopolitical conflicts to soaring poverty levels and the escalating impacts of climate change. These challenges can only be addressed by solutions that empower women. By investing in women, we can spark change and speed the transition towards a healthier, safer, and more equal world for all."

Women's History Month Resources

• Official Women’s History Month website
   
• Book lists for Women’s History Month
  • New York Public Library’s list
  • Penguin Ramon House’s list
  • Anti-Defamation League’s list
     
• Leadership organizations for girls
  • Be Bold Girls
  • Girls in Politics
  • Black Girls Code
     
• National Women’s History Museum Resources
  • Digital Classroom Resources
  • Biographies
     
• "Here’s Where It Gets Interesting" Podcast: How Women Won WWII episodes
   
• Resistance Movements
  • "The Day Women Shut Down Iceland" Vox video
  • "Women in Nonviolent Movements" report
  • Learning for Justice “The Women’s March” article
  • Warner College Holocaust Center "Women and Resistance" article
     
• Anti-Defamation League Resources
  • "Teaching Women’s History in March and Beyond"
  • "7 Ideas for Teaching Women’s History Month"
  • "Women’s History Month Resources"
  • "Barbie, Identity and Representation"
     
• Facing History and Ourselves Resources

International Women's Day Resources

• unwomen.org/en/get-involved/international-womens-day
• internationalwomensday.com/
• un.org/en/observances/womens-day/background
• time.com/6837254/womens-history-month-surprising-facts/

If you have any questions about Women's History Month or International Women's Day, please contact Director of Equity and Social Action Jenny Abbey.