It’s Women’s History Month and we’re shining a light on the vital role of women in the history of America and around the world—and we’ll be keeping that light shining bright all year long!
First, we’re kicking off our Women Who Lead series, highlighting pioneering women who have achieved historic firsts, broken barriers and shown us all what it means to lead by example. We’re also spotlighting fun titles featuring female characters, real and fictional, to inspire your kids: our Women’s History Month and Girl Power! collections.
First, a little on women’s history (week … month?).
Women’s History Month started in California as Women’s History Week to observe International Women’s Day (March 8). Then in 1979 Sarah Lawrence College held a 15-day conference that inspired participants to host their own celebrations. The movement grew. And in February 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8 National Women’s History Week, stating:
“From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. 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.”
Many people thought women deserved to be celebrated the whole month for these achievements. In 1987, congress agreed, and passed a joint resolution declaring the month of March Women’s History Month.
Choose to challenge!
Speaking of International Women’s Day, this year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge, signalling the importance of personal responsibility in our collective efforts to end gender bias and inequality. It’s up to all of us to choose to challenge and call out exclusion and unfairness to help create an inclusive world. From challenge comes change. Learn more about this movement here.
Epic Women Who Lead series.
First up on our list of fearless females past and present is Malala Yousafzai. Starting at just 11 years old, she risked her life standing up for every girl’s right to an education in Pakistan.
Today she’s the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate and an inspiration to us all. Read about Malala here!
Women’s History & International Women’s Day collections.
Sit down with your kids and enjoy these stories featuring strong female characters and amazing women around the world:
Join the convo on social!
Enjoying our collections? Share on your social feeds using #WomensHistoryMonth and #WomenWhoLead.
