Women's History Month


Women's History Month is an annual declared month that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. It is celebrated during March in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, corresponding with International Women's Day on March 8, and during October in Canada, corresponding with the celebration of Persons Day on October 18.

History

In the United States

Women's History Month

In March 2011, the Obama administration released a report, Women in America: Indicators of Social and Economic Well-Being, showing women 's status in the U.S. in 2011 and how it had changed over time. This report was the first comprehensive federal report on women since the report produced by the Commission on the Status of Women in 1963.
Some organizations have issued statements marking Women's History Month, for example the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee.
A President's Commission on the Celebration of Women in History in America recently sponsored hearings in many parts of the country. The Women's Progress Commission will soon conduct hearings to promote interest in preserving areas that are relevant in American women's history. Some of the groups promoting this interest are state historical societies, women's organizations, and groups such as the Girl Scouts of the USA.

Presidential Proclamations of Women’s History Week











Presidential Proclamations of Women's History Month




























































Annual themes of Women's History Month, declared by the [National Women's History Project]

Women's History Month was proclaimed in Canada in 1992, where its purpose is to give Canadians "an opportunity to learn about the important contributions of women and girls to our society – and to the quality of our lives today". October was chosen to coincide with the celebration of the anniversary on October 18 of the decision of the court case Edwards v. Canada, more commonly known as the Persons Case, in which it was established that Canadian women were eligible to be appointed senators and in general had the same rights as Canadian men with respect to positions of political power.

In Russia

Since 2017, there is a group of female volunteers who spend a virtual month of women's history in Russian. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1253978618011175/

In Ukraine

Month of women's history in the Ukrainian language holds the Gender Museum http://gendermuseum.com/

In Australia

Women's History Month was first celebrated in Australia in 2000, initiated by Helen Leonard, convenor of the National Women's Media Centre, working with the Women's Electoral Lobby. The organisation of annual Women's History Month celebrations is incorporated as part of the work of the Australian Women's History Forum.

Annual themes

Since 2005, the annual celebration of Women's History Month in Australia has centred on a different area of women's achievement. Promotional materials and events are focused around the theme and organisations, institutions and community groups are encouraged to use this theme for their own events.
Women's History Month was celebrated in the UK in 2011 and 2012. A was set up but has since apparently been abandoned.