Celebrate women’s contributions to history and their impact on society in the United States.
Origins of Women’s History Month
Since 1987, the U.S. has recognized the month of March as Women’s History Month. Evolving from an earlier “Women’s History Week,” the month is an essential recognition of past and present women. Congress passed additional resolutions in 1995 requesting that the President make an annual proclamation to designate the month. Read the presidential proclamation for 2023.
An equitable future
The women’s rights movement is our history, present and future because there is still much work to be done. Addressing gender inequities in hiring, compensation, and career advancement, eradicating gender bias, and recognizing women’s history and experience as intersectional — how aspects of identity like race, sexual orientation, socio-economic status and more, interact with gender — are deeply important to understanding the past and ensuring our future is built with equity.
Theme for 2023
The National Women’s History Alliance announced the 2023 History Month as “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” The theme honors and recognizes women in every community who have devoted their lives and talents to producing art and news, pursuing truth and reflecting society decade after decade.
Resources
Learn more about some of the prominent influencers in women’s history by visiting the resources below.
- Read about Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive an MD from a U.S. medical school.
- Read about Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first African American woman to receive an MD.
- Read a timeline of Women’s History in Seattle and influential women in the Pacific Northwest.
- Read biographies of important women throughout U.S. history from Time and the National Women’s History Museum.
- 7 Great Reads for Women’s History Month from The Whole U.
- Read about 9 LGBTQ+ women who’ve lead the way for the next generation.
- Read about inspiring Native American women both past and present.
- Learn more about Alaska Native rights advocate Elizabeth Peratrovich.
- Listen to candid conversations with some of the biggest names in women’s sports.
- Listen to Lizzo’s People’s Choice Awards acceptance speech.
- Learn about the Hidden Figures in science.
- Learn about UW School of Medicine’s Women in Medicine and Science Committee.
- Find women-owned small businesses in your area.