THE OBSERVATION BOOTH
OP / ED & PHOTO CREDITS ANDREA DIALECT
BOOTS ON GROUND
Globally, March 8 is recognized as International Women’s Day. In the early 20th century, women’s labor and suffrage movements were organizing. In 1908, thousands of women marched in New York City demanding better labor conditions and voting rights, contributing to the first National Woman’s Day in 1909.
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week, and by 1987, after petitions from educators and activists, Congress expanded it to Women’s History Month.
It was an onward march sustained by the women who were instrumental in the designation of the entire month of March. Now as March is upon us and marches on, we lift our heads, sway our arms, and move our feet in remembrance. An onward march indeed, made possible by all who marched before. May we never forget. The images of my muse that accompany this piece hold up the torch in representation and remembrance of such strength and resilience. We are women, and we are proud to be such.
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DID YOU KNOW…
The Spark — Early 1900s Labor & Suffrage Movements
In the early 20th century, women were organizing for:
- Voting rights
- Fair wages
- Safer working conditions
In 1908, thousands of women marched in New York City demanding better labor conditions and voting rights. This activism contributed to the first National Woman’s Day in 1909.
In 1910, at an international conference in Copenhagen, activist Clara Zetkin proposed an annual International Women’s Day.
By 1911, International Women’s Day was celebrated in several European countries.
Today, that day is recognized globally on March 8 as International Women’s Day.
The U.S. Expansion (1970s)
Fast forward to the 1970s.
The women’s liberation movement was gaining strength in the United States.
In 1978, a school district in Sonoma, California launched the first Women’s History Week to coincide with March 8.
The idea spread nationally.
Official Recognition — 1980 Presidential Proclamation
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week.
By 1987, after petitions from educators and activists, Congress officially expanded it to Women’s History Month, designating the entire month of March.
