"Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women." --Maya Angelou
The contributions of women to history, culture, and society are honored in March of every year. Designated at Women's History Month, this time allows us to commemorate and encourage the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role women have played in our history.
This celebration began in 1978 when educators in Santa Rosa, California gathered together to increase awareness of women's contributions to society. In 1980, U.S. President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8 National Women's History Week. According to Carter,
"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."
The week-long celebration officially became a month-long commemoration in 1987 when Congress passed a resolution designating March as Women's History Month and this momentous occasion has been celebrated every March since.
Other countries, including Canada and Australia, now join the United States in honoring women and their noble contributions during the month of March.
Each year, the National Women's History Alliance chooses a theme for Women's History Month. The theme for 2023 is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories." Throughout the year, the NWHA will spotlight women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, and more. As the NWHA state, "
"From the earliest storytellers through pioneering journalists, our experiences have been captured by a wide variety of artists and teachers. These include authors, songwriters, scholars, playwrights, performers, and grandmothers throughout time. Women have long been instrument in passion on our heritage in word and in print to communicate the lessons of those who came before us. Women's stories, and the larger human story, expand our understanding and strengthen our connections with each other."
Here are a few great books about notable female storytellers you can share with your child to help foster their understanding and strengthen their connections with others:
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