Reps. Thompson, DWC Chair Frankel Introduce Resolution Recognizing National Women's History Month

The resolution resolves that, "The House of Representatives (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Women's History Month; (2) recognizes and honors the women and organizations in the United States that have fought for, and continue to promote, the teaching of women's history and the women's suffrage movement; and (3) recognizes and honors the unique intersectional experiences of Black, Hispanic, Asian, Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Native American, and LGBTQ+ women and women with disabilities in the United States throughout history, the women's suffrage movement and in the ongoing fight for equality."

"Every year, we come together to highlight the extraordinary contributions of women throughout our nation's history and the continued need to push for equality," said Thompson. "The history of America cannot be told without women's history. Women's History Month, which originated in our district, provides an opportunity to highlight the incredible contributions of American women. I am proud to introduce this resolution every year to elevate the stories of women from our nation's history."

"Each March, we celebrate and honor the trailblazing women who have fought for a better future for women everywhere," said Chair Frankel. "In every field-from medicine and math, to education and politics-women have often led the charge in pushing America forward and advancing the ideals of equity and justice for all. As we reflect on their legacy, we take inspiration to continue our fight for women's equality. They never backed down and neither will we."

Until the late 1970's, women's history was rarely included in K-12 curriculum and was virtually absent in public awareness. To counter this, the Education Taskforce of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women initiated a "Women's History Week" celebration in 1978 centered on International Women's History Day. With the help of the National Women's History Project, founded in Sonoma County, thousands of schools and communities joined in the commemoration of Women's History Week. In 1981, Congress responded to the growing popularity of Women's History Week by making it a national observance and eventually expanding the week to a month in 1987.

The National Women's History Project (NWHP) is based in Santa Rosa and chooses the theme of National Women's History Month each year. This year, National Women's History Month celebrates "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion."

The text of the resolution can be found here.