Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring March 2025, as Women’s History Month
end
Department
City Clerk/Director of Council Operations Office
Recommendation
Staff recommends Mayor and Council read and approve the proclamation, and present to Virginia Onley, former City of Rockville Councilmember.
Discussion
Women’s History Month is celebrated every March. It offers the chance to learn about and celebrate the contributions of women today and throughout history. The 2025 theme for the observance, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” focuses on women in both the past and present who have influenced and inspired others by dedicating their lives to education, mentorship and leadership.
The National Women’s History Alliance has shared some insight into women’s History:
“The National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) proudly established March as National Women’s History Month, ensuring diverse women’s voices and contributions are recognized and celebrated. Since 1980, when NWHA (then the National Women’s History Project) successfully advocated for the recognition of Women’s History Week, we have been amplifying the stories of all women who shaped history. In 1981, Congress passed a resolution officially establishing the week, with President Jimmy Carter issuing a proclamation. By 1987, NWHA’s continued efforts led Congress to expand the recognition to the entire month of March, creating the National Women’s History Month we honor today.
As we reflect on our roots, we invite you to join us in supporting, protecting, and amplifying diverse voices in history - ensuring that women’s history remains visible, valued, and celebrated for all generations. The National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) remains committed to supporting all those who bring history and honor the stories of women to life - whether in classrooms, boardrooms, libraries, community spaces or in living rooms. As we release this statement on February 1st, we honor the beginning of Black History Month - a time to reflect on the profound contributions Black individuals and cultures have made to history and progress. We stand in solidarity with the celebration of Black voices and stories as an essential part of the broader movement to recognize diverse histories and legacies.
Since 1980, our work has impacted millions of students, educators, and communities through resources, advocacy, and storytelling. From providing history toolkits and expert speakers to publishing our annual Women’s History Magazine, we ensure women’s history remains central to our national narrative.
Educators and storytellers play a vital role in preserving women’s accomplishments. We support them with curriculum-aligned toolkits, engaging lesson plans, and impactful resources, partnering with schools, organizations, and institutions to deepen understanding of the essential roles women have played in shaping our world.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month 2025 with the theme, "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations," we will continue to advocate, educate, and build a more inclusive future.”
Source: Home - National Women's History Alliance <https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/>
Did You Know? Women’s History Month started as Women’s History Week . . .
Women’s History Month began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California. The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women planned and executed a “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978. The organizers selected the week of March 8 to correspond with International Women’s Day. The movement spread across the country as other communities initiated their own Women’s History Week celebrations the following year.
In 1980, a consortium of women’s groups and historians-led by the National Women’s History Project (now the National Women's History Alliance)-successfully lobbied for national recognition. In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8th 1980 as National Women’s History Week.
President Jimmy carter’s message designating March 2-8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week:
“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 vital as that of the men whose manes we know so well.”
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council present this proclamation annually.