By leah jones
The US celebrates Women’s History Month every year beginning on Mar. 1 to honor the contributions and achievements of women throughout the country’s history.
It is also a time to reflect on how far society has come in making progress for equality while acknowledging the unique challenges women face daily.
Although many hold this observance, some don’t know its full history. Learn here when Women's History Month started and how it grew into what it is today.
In 1978, Women’s History Month started in the United States as Women’s History Week in Sonoma County, California.
The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women initiated the inaugural event to highlight women’s contributions in history.
This week took place in correspondence with International Women’s Day on Mar. 8. It was intended for the system’s schools to have students participate in.
The movement gained national attention and inspired communities in other parts of the country to uphold their own celebrations.
The traction became so widespread that women activists led by the National Women’s History Project began lobbying to have the week nationally recognized.
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter officially declared the first National Women’s History Week.
As the movement gained momentum, activists and educators pushed for a longer celebration.
In 1987, Congress passed Public Law 100-9, officially designating March as Women’s History Month in the US and requesting every president to officially proclaim it.
So far, every US president since congress’ resolution in 1987 has issued a proclamation recognizing Women’s History month each year.
The National Women's History Alliance selects the yearly theme for WHM. 2025’s is "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations."