Why Do We Celebrate Women's History Every March?

March is a wonderful time of year; it is the start of spring, a month full of blossoms and a time for growth and renewal. It is also the month we celebrate Women’s History  Month, and this year’s theme couldn’t be closer to our hearts. The National Women's History Alliance designates a yearly theme for Women's History Month, and this year’s theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories." This theme recognizes "women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, news, and social media."

A Little Bit of History

Women's History Month has been celebrated every March since 1987 and is a time to honor the achievements of women throughout history. It is a time to acknowledge the struggles and sacrifices women have made to overcome that obstacle called inequality that many women continue to face, even today.

The celebration of Women’s History Month initially began as a week-long event in the United States in 1980. It was started by President Jimmy Carter to celebrate the incredible contribution women have made to America as a whole, and the date was chosen to coincide with International Women’s Day, which has been celebrated around the world since 1911.

It was a resounding success, but a week would never be enough to celebrate, honor, and acknowledge the trailblazers who came before us, and so in 1987, it was expanded to a full month.

A Time For Reflection

Women's History Month is a time for reflection on the progress that has been made when it comes to women’s rights, but there is still much work that needs to be done. Women continue to be underrepresented in leadership positions, and amazingly enough, the gender pay gap also remains a significant issue. By celebrating Women's History Month, we can shine a spotlight on various issues and work towards creating a more equal and just society for each and every one of us. 

But it is also a time to acknowledge our achievements as women. So many of us have to perform a balancing act each day between all our various roles and responsibilities, as well as trying to find time for ourselves.

Ways To Celebrate This Auspicious Month

There are many ways we can celebrate Women's History Month. Here are a few of our favorites:

Read a Book By a Female Author 

The options are endless, from Jane Austen to Agatha Christie, and if you are in the mood for something a bit more modern, well, our Bridgerton Collection is the perfect treat for yourself or any of the amazing women in your life. 

Watch a movie directed by a woman or with your favorite leading lady

Although women are still vastly underrepresented in the film industry, there are many talented female directors out there, including Ava DuVernay, Greta Gerwig, and Kathryn Bigelow. And when it comes to choosing your favorite leading lady, there is definitely no shortage of those - Meryl Streep, Sandra Bullock, and Julia Roberts are just a few that come to mind or perhaps take a walk back in time and watch a great Audrey Hepburn or Elizabeth Taylor movie.

Discover more about female trailblazers

There is definitely no shortage when it comes to inspirational women who have made a significant impact on history. Perhaps Ada Lovelace, the world's first computer programmer, piques your interest, or Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel to space. Or maybe it will be Katharine Graham, the first female publisher of a US newspaper and the first woman CEO of a Fortune 500 company. 

So go out there and discover more about these amazing women who have shown that gender does not define your role in society.

Support women-owned businesses 

Supporting women-owned businesses is a great way to celebrate Women's History Month, and there are bound to be plenty in your area. Whether you buy from a female artist or shop at a women-owned boutique, your support can definitely make a difference.

Volunteer for a women's organization

Volunteering is such a rewarding experience, and there are countless organizations that work to empower women and promote gender equality. Making a difference is something we all have within our power to do.

Ultimately, Women's History Month is a time to celebrate women and their impact on history. And the theme “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories." is a powerful one, for where would we be without stories?

As the late Ursula LeGuin said, “We are volcanoes. When we women offer our experience as our truth, all the maps change. There are new mountains. That’s what I want — to hear you erupting. You Mount Saint Helens-es who don’t know the power in you — I want to hear you… If we don’t tell our truth, who will?”