Women’s History Month began as a local celebration in Sonoma County, California in 1978, then celebrated for just a week. The movement spread across the country when other communities began creating their own celebrations.

In 1980, the National Women’s History Project (National Women's History Alliance), women’s groups, and historians pushed for national recognition. President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8th, 1980 as National Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which officially designated "Women’s History Month."

From 1988 to 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the president to proclaim Women’s History Month each year. Since 1995, each president has issued an annual proclamation designating March as "Women’s History Month."

It is celebrated during March in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, corresponding with International Women's Day on March 8.

Women's History Month Kick Off: Soup and Substance in Collaboration with JMU Libraries
Mar 4 | Location TBD | 10-11:00am

International Women's Day
Mar 9 | SSC 1310 | 5-7pm

Women Veteran Showcase in Collaboration with VALOR
Mar 11 | SSC 1075 | 11-1:00pm

Phyllis Wheatly Documentary Screening
Mar 24 | Taylor 306 | 5:30-7:30pm

DEEP Impact Dialogue
Mar 25 | SSC 1075 | 7:00-8:15pm

Furious Flower and CMSS Workshop
Mar 26 | SSC 1310 | 7:00-8:00pm

Women's History Month Brunch in Collaboration with Women for Madison
Mar 28 | Union Ballrom | 11-2:00pm