Women’s History Month is about highlighting and celebrating the contributions of women, their past and present achievements. In the U.S., Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981. 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.”
The 2024 Women's History Month theme established by The National Women’s History Alliance is titled: "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion." The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions.
International Women’s Day celebrated March 8, is a global celebration of women from around the world who have made a difference in the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This day also signals a call to action to advance the work of gender equity.
In celebration and collaboration with The World Affairs Council Connecticut, please join us for two events featuring Ambassador Oksana Markarova of Ukraine and Ambassador Roya Rahmani of Afghanistan to discuss the state of women's rights in their home countries, and their work as global changemaker. Click here for more information and to RSVP.
The Women’s Advancement Initiative
In honor of Women’s History Month, The Women’s Advancement Initiative hosts their annual symposium. On March 28, the University community is invited to join the organization for an evening of creativity, learning, and empowerment. Experience the Women’s Advancement Initiative through the eyes of students, faculty, and staff who benefit from their programs. Discover innovative research and creative projects from Dorothy Goodwin Scholars, celebrate this year’s recipients of the Debbie Javit ’83 (HCW) “Javy” Resilience Awards and Irene Robinson Marshall Scholarships, meet Laura Johnson Leaders, and participate in live leadership lessons presented by today’s LEAD students.
The Women's Advancement Initiative is proud to continue and celebrate the legacy of Hartford College for Women for today's students. Register for the symposium here.
Resources
We encourage everyone to further explore the resources shared below on this page to engage with Women’s History Month.
Books
Movies
- Code Breaker: Wife-Mother-Secret American Hero/PBS
- ASU Curated List of Movies to Watch - Women's History Month
Videos
Documentaries
Stories
Education
- The National Council for History Education suggests these resources to help prepare lessons and discussions focusing on the lives and contributions of women throughout history.
- Cross-curricular resources for Women's History Month | School Library Journal (slj.com)
- Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum: Women's History is American History
Programs in and around Connecticut
For more information, contact Jackie Green, program manager for the Office of Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement, at jackgreen@hartford.edu.