Women’s History Month
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a Presidential Proclamation declaring Women’s History Week to align with International Women’s Day – March 8. The following year, Congress made this Public Law. In 1987, Congress established another Public Law which then turned the week into a month-long celebration. In 1995, following many subsequent Congressional resolutions, each President has declared March to be Women’s History Month. These proclamations acknowledge and celebrate the role of women from all walks of life in American History. The contributions of women are long and great and the Smithsonian Institution is in the beginning stages of building the American Women’s History Museum in Washington DC. to amplify “a diversity of women’s voices.”
FAND invites you to check out the National Archives featuring Women’s History Month (link below) to find, learn and be inspired by the amazing women who have affected and shaped our lives.
National Archives News & Event/Women’s History Month
https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/womens-history
(Links are the same – can pick which works for website)
International Women’s Day – Wednesday, March 8, 2023
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration devoted seeking gender equality and to the cultural, economic, social and political contributions of the women world-wide. IWD originated in New York City on March 8, 1857, with a protest march by female textile workers objecting to unfair working conditions and unequal rights. This was one of the first organized strikes by women. Again, on March 8, 1908, women workers took to the streets of NYC’s Lower East side to “protest child labor, sweatshop working conditions, and demand women’s suffrage.” In 1910, March 8 became International Women’s Day. In 1975, IWD was adopted by the United Nations as an official, world-wide celebration of women’s rights and world peace.
The 2023 IWD theme is #EmbraceEquity.
Embrace: verb- to willingly and enthusiastically accept, adopt and espouse
“The aim of the IWD 2023 #EmbraceEquity campaign theme is to get the world talking about Why equal opportunities aren’t enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action.”
This important theme incites Collective Activism – “to challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias and seek out inclusion.”
IWD invites you to engage and participate! To inspire and be inspired hit the link below!
International Women’s Day/#EmbraceEquity
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme
(Links are the same – can pick which works for website)
St. Patrick’s Day – Friday, March 17, 2023
St. Patrick’s Day is also known as the feast day of the patron saint of Ireland. He is revered for his choice to incorporate traditional Irish culture and ritual into his religious practices of Christian faith. He has been celebrated throughout Ireland since the 10th century. The Catholic Church first recognized March 17 (the day of his death in year 460) as a feast day in 1631. The American colony of St. Augustine is recorded to have had the first parade in honor of St. Patrick in 1601. In the 1800s, more than one million men, women and children immigrated from Ireland to America. Living in extreme poverty due to vile, oppressive discrimination, the Irish immigrant sought unity and relief on this day of celebration. In 1948, President Harry Truman attended NYC’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade which gave a much needed boost to the pride of the Irish. 1962 saw Chicago use 60 pounds of green dye to famously turn its river green in honor of the beloved saint. Top 2 activities reported for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day: wearing green and eating Irish food. Have fun and stay safe!