About Women's History MonthWomen’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.”
The 2018 Theme for National Women’s History Month is “Nevertheless, She Persisted: Honoring Women Who Fight All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.” Throughout this year, we honor fifteen outstanding women for their unrelenting and inspirational persistence, and for understanding that, by fighting all forms of discrimination against women and girls, they have shaped America’s history and our future. These 2018 Honorees refused to be silenced. Their lives demonstrate the power of voice, of taking action, and of believing that meaningful and lasting change is possible in our democratic society.
The 2018 National Women’s History Month Honorees are:
Geraldine Ferraro (1935-2011) Politician/First Woman Major Party VP Candidate & Human Rights Activist
Pauli Murray (1910-1985) Women’s Rights/Civil Rights Activist, Attorney, Author, & Episcopal Priest
Elizabeth Peratrovich (Kaaxal-gat) (1911-1958) Political Activist for Alaska Natives, Spearheaded First Anti-Discrimination Law, USA
Margaret Dunkle Champion of Title IX*
Jill Moss Greenberg Women’s/Civil Rights Activist *
Cristina Jimenez Immigrant (DREAMERs) Activist*
Marty Langelan Anti-Violence/Anti-Harassment Activist*
Loretta Ross Reproductive Justice Activist*
Linda Spoonster Schwartz Women Veterans Activist*
Susan Burton Criminal Justice Reform Leader
Roma Guy LGBT Rights/Healthcare Activist
Saru Jayaraman Labor/Restaurant Workers Activist
Pat Maginnis Abortion Rights Activist
Arlene Mayerson Disability Rights Attorney & Activist
Angelica Salas Immigrant Rights Activist
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