Celebrated March 1-31st (2025)

What is Women’s History Month? 

Women’s History Month is known as the time of year when we celebrate the achievements of and recognize the struggles women have faced throughout the years. It is usually celebrated in the United Kingdom and Australia but has been acknowledged in several other countries, including America. 

History of Women’s History Month 

1. It originated in California in 1978 as a local celebration. The Sonoma County Commission organized the first celebration as a full week Women’s History event beginning on March 8th. 
2. There were essay contests, children giving presentations in class, and a parade to start with the celebration activities! 
3. By the 1980s, it began to be nationally celebrated in the U.S by President Jimmy Carter. 
4. In 1987, Congress passed the law designating March as the official Women’s History Month. 
5. Because that was the first day of the week it was celebrated, March 8th is recognized as International Women’s Day.

Influential Women in the Medical Field 

There are many Influential women in the world, but the medical field is where we want to focus on here for one of the many ways that they shine. 

First, we’re going to start off with nurses since that’s our domain. 

• Florence Nightingale: During the Crimean War of the 1800s, this nurse revolutionized healthcare by utilizing the resources necessary to keep fighters going. She established nursing as a position that was taken seriously and respected equally. 
• Clara Barton: Also active in the 1800s, this healthcare pioneer founded the American Red Cross. Her work in aiding soldiers during the Civil War establishes her as one of the most influential nurses of her time.
• Mary Eliza Mahoney: This nurse was the very first African American nurse to receive and complete professional training in the field. She was also an active advocate for racial equality. 

Next, we’re going to focus on scientists and researchers and their amazing work as women in the medical field. 

• Margaret Sanger: As an active birth control activist and nurse who lived to 1966, she joined the fight for women’s reproductive rights. Her efforts led to the creation of Planned Parenthood, a reproductive health clinic. 
• Antonio Novello: An influential woman in history who’s still alive today, Antonio was the first Hispanic woman, and even the first woman Surgeon General of the United States, which is inspiring to women across the nation. 

How to Celebrate WHM?

You can celebrate Women’s History Month in multiple ways… 

• Spreading a hashtag online
• Volunteering with a Women’s Rights organization
• Planning something special for the women in your life
• Writing a letter of appreciation to your teachers, health professionals, friends or the female members of government in your local county or even nation 
• Learning about your rights as a woman or a supporter of women’s autonomy 
• Attending a protest to support women’s rights

Famous Women’s Health Rights Organizations

• International Women’s Health Coalition
• Center for Reproductive Rights 
• UN Women 
• International Center for Research on Women
• European Women’s Lobby

Sources 

25 Organizations Fighting for Gender Equality

https://openloophealth.com/blog/10-influential-women-in-the-history-of-healthcare#

https://www.womenshistory.org/womens-history/womens-history-month