Even though the Y was originally founded by and for men, the role of women in helping to drive the organization’s growth and societal impact is unmistakable. The timeline below offers a snapshot of the vast contributions women have made in the Y and society as a whole – and the advancements they have fought for towards greater gender equity. We invite you to share how you will continue this legacy into the future, by taking action to advance equity for all women.
How did Women’s History Month start?
Women’s History Month had it’s origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.”
Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987 after being petitioned by The National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994 Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.”
These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.