Women's History Month is in March: What is it and why we celebrate?

March doesn't just signify the arrival of spring showers and blooming flowers, but also the arrival of Women's History Month, a time to celebrate and honor the contributions and achievements by women in the United States.

International Women's Day is also celebrated during March, a day which celebrates the achievements of women from all across the world.

What is Women's History Month? When is it celebrated?

Women's History Month is celebrated annually in March. The month honors women's contributions to American history and society.

According to womenshistorymonth.gov, in 1981 Congress authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Then in 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress designated the month of March 1987 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.”

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President Joe Biden's proclamation for Women’s History Month 2024

On Feb. 29, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation in which he stated that despite the achievements made by women, many hurdles still stand in the way of women and girls achieving their full potential.

"Throughout history, the vision and achievements of powerful women have strengthened our Nation and opened the doors of opportunity wider for all of us," said Biden. "Though their stories too often go untold, all of us stand on the shoulders of these sung and unsung trailblazers - from the women who took a stand as suffragists, abolitionists, and labor leaders to pioneering scientists and engineers, groundbreaking artists, proud public servants, and brave members of our Armed Forces."

Biden also highlighted all the ways in which his administration has uplifted women. For example ensuring women’s health and economic prosperity, protecting women's physical security, supporting initiatives that help expand access to child care and ending gender-based violence.

"This Women’s History Month, may we recognize the long, storied history of great women helping to realize our Nation’s founding promise and highest aspirations," he said. "May we all continue working to build a world worthy of the dreams and goals of all women and girls."

What is International Women's Day? When is it celebrated?

International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8.

It is a day to honor, uplift and recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women all over the world. The day also marks a call to action for educating, raising awareness and lobbying for accelerated gender parity.

According to the International Women's Day website, the theme for the 2024 campaign is, "Inspire Inclusion" which encourages diversity in the fight for gender equality.

"It calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected," read a statement on the website. "Inspire Inclusion encourages everyone to recognize the unique perspectives and contributions of women from all walks of life, including those from marginalized communities."

How long has International Women's Day been celebrated?

International Women's Day can be traced back to the early 1900s. The first gathering in celebration of the day occurred in 1911, when over a million people celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.

Sometime between 1913 and 1914, International Women's Day was agreed to be marked annually on March 8. Over half a century later, International Women's Day was marked for the first time by the United Nations in 1975.

Is International Women's Day an official holiday?

No, International Women's Day is not recognized as an official holiday in the U.S.

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: March is Women's History Month and includes International Women's Day