Women’s History Month: Its Roots, And Free Tools For Teaching It!
T
here are 172 million women in the United States (as of July 2024). And March is Women’s History Month, when we recognize their contributions to society, reflect on the advances they’ve made, and recognize the ongoing challenges they face in achieving full equality.
The roots of Women’s History Month lie in a labor protest that took place in 1908. That’s when 15,000 women marched through New York City, demanding better pay, shorter working hours, as well as an end to child labor and the right to vote. Inspired by this event, the first Women’s Day was organized a year later.[1]
In 1978, schools in Sonoma County, California designated March Women’s History Month as a tactic for studying women’s contributions, history, and issues. [2]
The idea caught on. So, an alliance of historians and women’s groups petitioned for national recognition. And, in 1981 Congress passed a joint resolution designating the second week of March as Women’s History Week. With President Jimmy Carter issuing a Presidential Proclamation that acknowledges:
From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.[3]
Finally, in 1987, Women’s History Week was expanded to Women’s History Month. With presidents issuing proclamations that call on the American people to observe Women’s History Month “with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”[4]
So, how will you observe Women’s History Month?
Check out these free resources for doing just that.
Whether you’ll be putting them to use in the classroom,
or using them to feed your own head.
Teach 6-12 students “How Women Have Led the Way.” And, “Introduce Young Learners to Women’s History” with iCivics Education’s Women’s History Month Activities for Your Classroom.
Don’t forget to download the bookmarks!
Be sure to pair this post with
Women’s History Month:
Celebrating A Couple Of Greats.
And, download Sojourner Truth’s Ain’t I A Woman speech, which she delivered at the Women’s Rights Conference in 1851. As well as Eleanor Roosevelt’s address, What Libraries Mean to the Nation, presented at the District of Columbia Library Association Dinner in 1936.
The topics of both speeches are more relevant than ever. And, becoming acquainted with these orations is an excellent way to observe Women’s History Month.
#Women’s History Month #Free Teacher Resources
Endnotes:
[1] “Women’s History Month: March 2026.” February 25, 2026. United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2026/womens-history-month.html
[2] “Women’s History Month.” National Women’s History Museum. https://www.womenshistory.org/womens-history/womens-history-month
[3] “Women’s History Month.” National Women’s History Museum. https://www.womenshistory.org/womens-history/womens-history-month
[4] Public Law 100-9. 100th Congress. https://www.congress.gov/100/statute/STATUTE-101/STATUTE-101-Pg99.pdf
Images:
Women’s History Month 2026: Photo by Library of Congress on Unsplash
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