Women’s History Month

Women Leaders

Women’s History Month in the United States grew out of a weeklong celebration of women’s contributions to culture, history and society organized by the school district of Sonoma, California, in 1978. Presentations were given at dozens of schools, hundreds of students participated in a “Real Woman” essay contest and a parade was held in downtown Santa Rosa.

Ronald Reagan appointed O'Connor as the first female justice of the Supreme Court of the United States in 1981.

Madeline Albright became the first female U.S. secretary of state in 1997.

In 2007, Nancy Pelosi became the first female Speaker of the House.

Pioneering congresswoman Jordan is best known for her keynote address to the 1976 Democratic National Convention

In 1984, Ferraro became the first woman of a major political party to run for vice president of the United States.

Roosevelt, former first lady of the United States, also served as a United Nations delegate and was an outspoken advocate for civil

and women’s rights.

Smith was the first woman to be elected to both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Smith was also the first woman of

a major party to be considered for a presidential candidacy.

Dole was North Carolina's first female senator, as well as serving as secretary of transportation under President Ronald Reagan and

secretary of labor under President George Bush.

Shriver, sister of John F. Kennedy, was a powerful advocate for children's health and was a founder of the Special Olympics.

Women's History Month is an annual declared month that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. It is celebrated during March in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, corresponding with International Women’s Day on March 8, and during October in Canada.