Honoring Women’s History This March

As we step into Women’s History Month, we look back at its beginnings, honoring the strength that carried women through generations of challenges and the perseverance that continues to guide us forward.

Women’s History Month began as a single week of recognition in 1978. Before growing into the month‑long celebration we honor today, Women’s History Month began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California, where the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women launched the first “Women’s History Week” in 1978. They chose the week of March 8 to align with International Women’s Day. The idea inspired communities across the country to establish their own Women’s History Week celebrations the following year.

In 1987, March officially became Women’s History Month. Women’s organizations, including the National Women’s History Alliance, campaigned each year for national recognition of Women’s History Week. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. By 1986, 14 states had expanded the observance to the entire month of March. In 1987, after continued lobbying, Congress officially designated March as Women’s History Month.

Every year, Women’s History Month honors a new theme. The 2026 theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” This theme according to National Women’s History Alliance, celebrates the contributions of women who are leading sustainability efforts across environmental, economic, educational and social justice movements.

This month serves as a reminder that progress is built through persistence, and legacy calls us to keep opening doors for those who will follow. May our celebration of the women who paved the way extend far beyond March, reflected in the decisions we make, the voices we champion, and the future we continue to shape together.