This March, IDEA is proud to celebrate Women’s History Month as we remind ourselves and our students of the accomplishments of women and recognize the vital role they played throughout American history. What began as a celebration of “Women’s History Week” on March 7, 1982 quickly extended to become Women’s History Month in 1987. Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.”
Throughout history, trailblazers like Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Lucy Stone, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Alice Paul fought to change the perception of women and paved the way for women’s rights. Forward-thinking leaders like these paved the way for countless extraordinary women to make their mark in history like scientist Dian Fossey, mathematician Katherine Johnson, astronauts Sally Ride and Mae C. Jemison, authors Maya Angelou and Amy Tan, and more.
We know our work is not done and the conversation about gender equality still remains prominent.
Our Mission
Our philosophy is to provide a great education for all children. We champion this month as an additional opportunity to educate our students about the struggles and triumphs of women’s history and the work ahead of us as a nation to achieve educational and gender equality. Too often, the accomplishments of women are overlooked in history books, curriculum, literature and so many other facets of school and society. As we reflect on the unique contributions of women in American history, we should also engage scholars in lessons and meaningful discussions about women’s history, gender equality, and issues affecting women and girls today. This work is part of our organizational core values and our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
At IDEA, we believe it is our duty to ensure our staff, students and families understand the critical role we all play in empowering young women and girls. Across our country, women still fight battles and break barriers in the career fields they pursue, in the workplace, in their personal health, in their homes and families and out in the world – challenging the traditional definition of what it means to “be a woman” and forging a new path for those who may come after them. By educating, empowering and encouraging our young people, we are all working together toward progress and the hope of a better tomorrow. Women’s History Month continues to be a celebration of how far we have come and the belief that anything is possible no matter where you come from or what you look like.
Read more about the history and celebration of Women’s History Month, find resources for teachers or to celebrate at home and more at womenshistorymonth.gov!
