Women’s History Month is observed annually in March to recognize and celebrate the vital roles women have played throughout history, including in American society, culture, politics, and science. The month originated with International Women’s Day and the grassroots celebrations of Women’s History Week in Sonoma County, California, before being established by U.S. congressional proclamation in 1987 as a national observance. Each year, Women’s History Month highlights underrepresented narratives and honors achievements and advocacy efforts that have advanced gender equality and challenged social norms. Significant events, educational programming, and exhibits during March encourage reflection on both historical progress and contemporary issues facing women.
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International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8, commemorates historic labor and activism events that spotlighted women’s economic and political struggles in the United States and globally. The origins date to March 8, 1857, when female textile workers in New York City organized one of the earliest significant strikes by working women, demanding better working conditions, a shorter workday, and equal rights. On March 8, 1908, women workers in the needle trades marched again through New York’s Lower East Side to protest child labor, advocate for decent wages, and call for women’s suffrage.​
The tradition of marking March 8 as International Women’s Day began in 1910 and quickly became an annual observance, drawing awareness to women’s social, economic, and political contributions. These events inspired persistent advocacy, leading to formal national celebrations such as Women's History Week in 1978 and, eventually, National Women’s History Month, established by presidential proclamation in 1987, after successful legislative efforts by the National Women's History Project. Today, International Women’s Day serves as both a celebration of women’s historic achievements and a reminder of the ongoing struggles for gender equity and labor rights.​
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