Women's History Month Summary

As recently as the 1970's, women's history was virtually an unknown topic in the K-12 curriculum or in general public consciousness.

To address this situation, the Education Task force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women initiated a "Women's History Week" celebration for 1978. March 8th, International Women's Day, was selected as the focal point to ensure that the events and celebration would include a multicultural perspective, recognize the connection between and among all women, and celebrate the important role of women in the paid labor force.

The activities and events that were held met with an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response, and within a few years, scores of area schools held programs for Women's History Week. Hundreds of women from the community participated by going into the schools as Community Resource Women, and an annual Real Woman Essay Contest drew hundred of entries, as did an annual women's history parades through the heart of downtown Santa Rosa, California.

For more information on Women's History Month and current issues in women's studies:

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/womenshistory1.html

Women's History Month Homepage

http://www.defenselink.mil/specials/womenshistory/