by Kathleen Spring

Created on: March 04, 2011

Why is it important to celebrate “National Women’s History Month” separate from what men have done over the years? Before the 1970’s, the topic of women’s history and influence was for the most part missing from general public consciousness. But soon, an “International Women’s Year” brought an “International Women’s Day,” followed by a “Women’s History Day,” and culminating with a “Women’s History Month” in March each year.

In the 1970s, various under-acknowledged groups of people were speaking up about their rights. Young men wanted a say in being drafted into the military service. Young women wanted a say in wearing restricting undergarments. Blacks did not want to be treated as inferiors to the white population. And, women wanted equal rights.

While there had been various versions of holidays celebrating the influence of women over the past century, mainly from the labor union movements, both in North America and across Europe, the more consistent and universal celebration became official in 1975.

The year 1975 was designated as “International Women’s Year,” and on March 8, 1975 the United Nations started the first designated “International Women’s Day.” The United Nations states: “In adopting its resolution, the General Assembly recognized the role of women in peace efforts and development and urged an end to discrimination and an increase of support for women’s full and equal participation.”

It cited its reasons to continue to promote this Day over the years as, “For the women of the world, the Day's symbolism has a wider meaning: It is an occasion to review how far they have come in their struggle for equality, peace and development. It is also an opportunity to unite, network and mobilize for meaningful change.”

To address this situation in the United States, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women initiated a “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978 and chose the week of March 8 to coincide with “International Women’s Day.” This celebration of women’s history snowballed through the state over the coming years.

In Washington, D.C., two legislators recognized the hole that this California commemoration was filling, and in 1981, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Rep. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD)

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