March is celebrated as Women’s History Month in the US, honoring the contributions and achievements of women throughout history.

Origins and History

Women’s History Month began as a local, week-long celebration in Santa Rosa, California, in 1978, organized by educators to address the lack of women represented in school curricula and to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8. The movement gained national recognition in the 1980s, and in 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring National Women’s History Week. 

By 1987, Congress expanded the observance to the entire

“Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future” expands our understanding of sustainability beyond just environmental concerns. It encompasses financial sustainability, community resilience, leadership succession, and intergenerational equity. Whether developing green technologies, advancing economic justice, strengthening education systems, or building civic power – women are designing blueprints for sustainable transformation. This theme affirms that shaping a sustainable future means fostering systems that support both people and the planet.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

• Honor: Celebrate the diverse contributions of women who are leading sustainability efforts across environmental, economic, educational, and social justice movements.
• Educate: Raise awareness about the important historical and contemporary roles of women in shaping sustainable change.
• Inspire: Empower individuals and institutions on how to take action toward sustainability, equity, and justice in their own spheres of influence.
• Connect: Build bridges across generations, geographies, and disciplines to foster collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning.
• Envision: Encourage a long-term vision for our future where women’s leadership is central to thriving communities and a healthy planet.

Source: Today show, NWHA