In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project (now the National Women’s History Alliance), Congress recognized March as “Women’s History Month.” Since 1995, presidents have issued an annual proclamation to celebrate the contributions women have made to the history of the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made in a variety of fields.
The National Women’s History Alliance selects and publishes a yearly theme for Women’s History Month. The 2023 theme is Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories. This theme recognizes women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, news and social media.
Janine Thorn, Bellevue School District’s Chief Communications and Engagement Officer discussed the importance of education and telling everyone’s stories.
“My grandmother had an eighth-grade education with one teacher who taught all grade levels in a dirt floor one-room schoolhouse. I’m a second-generation college graduate with a post-secondary degree and just two generations removed from slavery and a post-reconstruction Jim Crow South. I was taught to value the power of education— it can be a true equalizer. However, true equality and liberation is to be a life-long learner. I’m a life-long learner.”
March also honors International Women’s Day, which took place this year on Tuesday, March 8. International Women’s Day is a global celebration marking the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women throughout the world. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day was #EmbraceEquity, a theme to get the world talking about why equal opportunities aren’t enough — people start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action.
The Bellevue School District is proud of the contributions and leadership of those who identify as women in our learning community. See the images and hear the stories as the BSD celebrates Women’s History Month.