By: Sarah Stanford
March 17, 2025
Each year in March, the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia celebrate the often-overlooked contributions of women throughout history and in contemporary society. While Canada celebrates Women’s History Month in October, corresponding with Persons Day on October 18th, the observance of International Women’s Day on March 8th aligns the country with the global recognition of women’s achievements and ongoing struggles for equality.
In the U.S., Women’s History Month finds its origins in the first International Women’s Day, celebrated in 1911. However, this day was largely unrecognized until March 8th, 1969, when Laura X organized a march in Berkeley, California. Laura X, a prolific feminist activist, thought it unfair that women, who make up half the human race, were celebrated only one day a year and called for Women’s History Month to be built around International Women’s Day. In 1978, schools in Sonoma County, California furthered this idea by designating March as Women’s History Month, a time meant to examine women’s issues and contributions. This idea gained traction, spreading across communities, schools and organizations in the U.S. rapidly. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week and six years later, the National Women’s History Project successfully advocated for its expansion into the whole month of March. In 1987, Congress passed a resolution designating March as National Women’s History Month.
Unlike the U.S., Canada adopted October as Women’s History Month in 1992 following advocacy from women’s rights organizations. The decision of designating October was made to commemorate the landmark Persons Case of October 18th, 1929. This case was a constitutional ruling allowing women to be appointed to the Senate, initiated by a group of women activists called the Famous Five. In 1928, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that women were not “persons” and thus were ineligible for appointment to the Senate. However, the decision was reversed by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in 1929, legally recognizing women as “persons” and meaning women could not be denied rights based on a narrow interpretation of the law. Since 1992, Women’s History Month in Canada has grown to reflect the diverse contribution of Indigenous women, women of colour, LGBTQ+ women, and other marginalized groups.
While the contributions and histories of women deserve recognition and discussion all year round, Women’s History Month ensures a dedicated space to highlight the achievements and struggles of women. It marks an important time for education and celebration, helping to promote continual efforts toward achieving gender equity.
