Women's History Month

March is Women’s History Month and we recognize the achievements of incredible women throughout American history. 

In 1981, Congress passed Public Law 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week." The following year, President Ronald Reagan issued Presidential Proclamation 4903 which proclaimed the week beginning on March 7, 1982 as the first "Women’s History Week.”

In 1987, through Public Law 100-9, the President was requested to issue a proclamation, Presidential Proclamation 5619, which encouraged U.S. citizens to observe Women’s History Month with appropriate observance activities. This Proclamation also expanded the week-long observance to "Women’s History Month," and further raised awareness of the achievements of American women.

The 2024 theme of Women's History Month is Women Who Have Made Great Achievements..

From the early days of women’s activism to our current day, women have continued to exercise their constitutional right to vote, and like many groups, women have protested and marched to attain that right. As a result of their efforts, women are now in the legislatures of each state; have held the office of governor; have held office in the U.S. Congress; and even reached the highest level in the executive branch of government, as Vice President of the United States. These accomplishments would not have occurred if women did not have the right to vote.

Join DoDEA in celebrating the contributions of so many incredible women throughout our nation’s history.