For many people across the U.S., the month of March is a time of celebration of the accomplishments and contributions of extraordinary women throughout history.
According to the National Women’s History Museum, Women’s History Month started off as a week-long celebration in Santa Rosa, Ca in 1978. It was organized and put into effect by the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women, who aimed to commemorate the achievements of women. The movement spread rapidly. In 1980, an association of women’s groups and historians lobbied for national recognition of Women’s History Week. This was attained in 1980 when President Jimmy Carter issued a Presidential Proclamation that designated the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. In the March of 1997, however, Congress ratified Public Law 100-9, which identified the month of March as Women’s History Month.
Presidents following this momentous event have been supportive of the month. In Feb. 2024, President Biden issued a proclamation on Women’s History Month. According to a statement given by President Biden, he said, “During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the courageous women who have helped our Nation build a fairer, more just society. Throughout history, the vision and achievements of powerful women have strengthened our Nation and opened the doors of opportunity wider for all of us. Though their stories too often go untold, all of us stand on the shoulders of these sung and unsung trailblazers… This Women’s History Month, may we recognize the long, storied history of great women helping to realize our Nation’s founding promise and highest aspirations. May we all continue working to build a world worthy of the dreams and goals of all women and girls.”
Furthermore, there are numerous events occurring throughout the month of March to celebrate. This includes specials on television, political speeches, initiatives in classrooms and posts on social media to esteem women. In Montgomery County, there are multiple historical sites that individuals are able to visit to honor the month. These events comprise the Clara Barton National Historic Site, the Rachel Carson Conservation Park, Butler’s Orchard, Ana Marie Weems’ Journey at the Underground Experience Trail and many others.
Sherwood High School sophomore Julia Pierpoint cherishes Women’s History Month and the celebration of women across the globe. “I love Women’s History Month because it is a time to celebrate and honor women throughout history. It highlights diversity,” she said.
In addition, on Feb. 8, 2024, leaders of Montgomery County recognized International Women’s Day by arranging a notable breakfast and Banter Women’s History Month Event. The women of the Montgomery County Council held this event at the BlackRock Center of the Arts and emphasized inclusion.
At the event, Comptroller of Maryland Brooke Lierman acknowledged that “there are still glass ceilings to break, but also, when we work together, we can break them.”
Montgomery County is also holding the 7th yearly “Girl Power Contest” to celebrate Women’s History Month. The Montgomery County Commission for Women, Montgomery County Public Libraries and Friends of the Library, Montgomery County collaborated to provide this opportunity throughout the entire month of March. Residents of Montgomery County over the age of 5 are able to submit a short story, poem, drawing or entry that follows the theme of empowering women through their preferred method.
Montgomery County commemorated the women of Montgomery County on their website. The list consists of women such as competitive swimmer Katie Ledecky, president of Nevada State College Dr. DeRionne Pollard, Councilmember Nancy Navarro, gymnast Dominique Daws and others.
Sherwood High School sophomore Addie Smith believes the celebration of women from Montgomery County and beyond is vital to society. “Women’s History Month is an extremely meaningful time of the year, where we celebrate the successes of all talented and worthy women and the special bonds that we form with them. Women have been pushed down by male dominance for years, even though women are just as respectable and strong as men. Women deserve this complete and full recognition because of the many ways they have greatly impacted the world we have the amazing opportunity to live in,” she said.
Article written by Nisha Khatri of Sherwood High School
Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons