Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month. This annual celebration highlights the contributions of women to historical events and current society.

This celebration finds its roots in Sonoma, California where in 1978 a school district participated in a Women’s History Week in conjunction with International Women’s Day (March 8). Greda Lerner and other scholars learned of this successful celebration during a fifteen-day conference about women’s history in 1979. Participants decided to initiate similar commemorations within their own communities. In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring a National Women’s History Week. Congress passed the first Joint Congressional Resolution proclaiming a Women’s History Week the same year. Congress designated March Women’s History Month in 1987, and since 1998 U.S. presidents have issued annual proclamations to designate the month.

To recognize and celebrate this month, CEHHS curated a list of resources centering women voices and stories. These resources are available through the UT Library and online.

2025 Resource Update – Moving Forward Together! 

For 2025, CEHHS A&E celebrates women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. These women have made significant contributions to the fields of education, health, and human services, as well as to the global community. They have inspired and empowered others to pursue knowledge, leadership, and positive change for all people. This year’s theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” emphasizes the collective strength and influence of women educators and leaders. From classrooms to boardrooms, and from grassroots movements to global initiatives, these women have played a pivotal role in nurturing minds and inspiring transformative action. By honoring their achievements, we aim to motivate all generations to pursue education and leadership roles, raise awareness about the unheralded legacies of women from diverse backgrounds, and unite communities to explore, share, and celebrate women’s history and achievements. 

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) is an annual global commemoration held on March 8. This event highlights the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women. Beginning within the labor and suffrage movements, the date also serves as a focal point for the women’s rights movement. February 28, 1909, marks the earliest purported Women’s Day observance in New York City, New York. The United Nations began celebrating IWD in 1975 and proclaimed March 8 as an official UN holiday in 1977. Learn more about this year’s IWD theme and initiatives.

• International Women’s Day 1970-77: Pamphlet 1970-1977 | Video
• Protesters Continue Fight for Equal Rights on International Women’s Day | Video
• What Is International Women’s Day? | Video
• What were the Origins of International Women’s Day, 1886-1920? | E-Book 

Women Voices

The resources below feature some women’s voices through different media formats. Bolded resources signify those written/created by women.

Updated March 2025 by Miranda N. Rutan, Doctoral Candidate, CEHHS A&E, UT Knoxville | Curated March 2022 by Miranda N. Rutan, Doctoral Student, CEHHS A&E, UT Knoxville