March is known as Women’s History Month in America. This movement started in 1980 after a coalition of women lobbied for President Carter to proclaim that National Women’s History Week would be celebrated. Then, in 1987, Congress passed a law and designated March as Women’s History Month. In addition to Women’s History Month, March 8th is recognized as International Women’s Day.  International Women’s Day came from North American and European labor movements in 1909.  According to un.org, it was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977. 

This year’s theme for Women’s History Month is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” For International Women’s Day, the theme is “Inspire Inclusion.” The colors of the day are purple, green, and white. “International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women,” according to internationalwomensday.com. It is known to be a call to action for accelerating gender parity.  

Other countries also celebrate these things, but many do it in different ways. For example, Canada celebrates Women’s History Month in October instead of March. In many other countries, International Women’s Day is an official holiday. In China, many women are permitted to take a half-day off work. In Serbia and Albania, International Women’s Day is celebrated on the same day as Mother’s Day. As shown, celebrating women’s involvement in national and international progress is important.