National Women's History

As recently as the 70's. women's history was unknown in schools or in the general public. So the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women, in California, initiated a "Women's History Week" celebration.

In 1979, Molly Murphy MacGregor participated in The Women's History Institute at Sarah Laurence College. Ms. MacGregor told attendees about the event she and her group organized in California on year earlier. The attendees were so impressed that they decided to initiate similiar celebrations in their own organizations, communities, and schools. They also agreed to support an effort to secure an "National Women's History Week."

President Carter, in 1980, issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8th 1980 as National Women's History Week. That same year, Representative Barbara Mikulski and Senator Orrin Hatch co-sponsored a Congressional Resolution for National Women's Week in 1981. This demonstrated wide range political support recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the achievements of women.

This started whirlwind educational celebrations in many states. Each year the date of National Women's History Week changed and every year a new lobbying effort was needed.

By 1986, fourteen states had already declared March as Women's History Month. This was used to lobby Congress to declare the entire month of March in 1987 as National Women's History Month. International Women's Day is March 8th.

In honor of Women's History Month, I will be featuring another mini series on the amazing women who helped to change America and inspire other women to continue doing the same. I will also cover issues that affect women from yesterday and today. If you have any suggestions or topics you would like me to cover, send your suggestions to bluewrites52@gmail.com

Until next time,