International Women's Day 2024: What to know, how to celebrate Women's History Month
Though we can celebrate women year-round, March is set aside to highlight female accomplishments across the world.
From International Women's Day to Women's History Month, there's enough time for all to reflect, learn, educate and celebrate the accomplishments of women across the globe.
Here are some key things to know about this year's celebration of women.
When is International Women's Day?
International Women's Day is on Friday, March 8, 2024.
When was International Women's Day first celebrated?
A global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women, took place for the first time on March 8, 1911, according to History.com.
In the U.S., the first official National Woman’s Day was held in New York City on Feb. 28, 1909, according to historian Temma Kaplan. The organizers, who were members of the Socialist Party of America, wanted it to be on a Sunday so that working women could participate.
Thousands showed up to events across the city, which showed unity between the suffragist and socialist causes, whose goals had often been at odds.
In Brooklyn, writer Charlotte Perkins Gilman of “The Yellow Wall-paper” fame told the congregation of the Parkside Church: “It is true that a woman’s duty is centered in her home and motherhood…[but] home should mean the whole country, and not be confined to three or four rooms or a city or a state.”
When is Women's History Month?
By presidential proclamation, March is designated Women's History Month every year. A dedicated month to reflect on the often-overlooked contributions of women of every background to U.S. History.
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How did Women's History Month start?
Women's History Month began as a local week-long celebration in Santa Rosa, California. It was organized by the Santa Rosa school district as students would participate in 'Real women' essay contests, listen to presentations and later celebrate with a parade.
Later on, different communities, organizations and school districts across the country, adapted to the celebration. President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women's History Week.
The next year, U.S. congress followed suit establishing a national celebration. 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".
Women's History Month has a theme every year
The National Women's History Alliance designates a yearly theme for Women's History Month.
This year's theme celebrates “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” This theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand the need to eliminate bias and discrimination from individuals' lives and institutions for a positive future, said the National Women's History Alliance.
"During 2024, we recognize the example of women who are committed to embracing everyone and excluding no one in our common quest for freedom and opportunity," the National Women's History Alliance said.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Women's History Month: What is International Women's Day 2024 theme?
