March is Women’s History Month!

Can you think of a woman in America’s history that inspires you to achieve more?  Maybe Amelia Earhart?  She bucked the traditionally male-dominated field of aviation and set numerous men’s and women’s records for speed, altitude and distance.  Or maybe you’re inspired by Rosa Parks, the woman known as the mother of the Civil Rights Movement?  Before 1970, women and the achievements of women were rarely discussed in history lessons.  Today almost every college offers women's history courses and many even offer masters and doctoral degrees in Women’s Studies.

The public celebration of women's history in this country began in 1978 as "Women's History Week" in Sonoma County, California. The week selected included March 8, a day many Europeans celebrated International Women's Day. In 1981, the United States Congress passed a resolution proclaiming a national Women's History Week. In 1987, Congress expanded the celebration to a month, and March was declared Women's History Month.

Sometimes all it takes is recognition that someone else has achieved a difficult goal to inspire a child to create noble goals of their own and to work to achieve them. There are many resources available on the Web to educate and celebrate the many accomplishments of women worldwide. Explore the links below for sample lesson plans or simple inspiration!

• Time for Kids: Women’s History Month
• Scholastic provides sample lesson plans, student activities and more in their Women Who Changed History section.
• About.com provides numerous links to help you learn and explore women’s history.
• InfoPlease.com provides a history of women’s history month and some notable speeches by women.
• The History Channel presents Women’s History Month.  This link provides a history of women’s suffrage, a timeline, a women’s history hall of fame, and several other resources honoring the achievements of women.

In the News

• Census Facts & Figures: Women’s History Month (CNN, March 2, 2005)
• Dolls tell story of African American Women (Herald & Review, March 2, 2005)
• Recognizing Women’s History (Ventura College Press, February 28, 2005)

Last Updated: March 17 2005 13:12 pm