What is Women’s History Month? 10 Ways to Celebrate
Published: March 6th, 2024
March isn’t just another month on the calendar—it’s an opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and honor the contributions women have made throughout history. Women’s History Month is more than a mere commemorative observance; it’s a call to action to recognize women's achievements and continue the fight for gender equality.
Curious about how this significant celebration started? Keep reading to learn the origins of Women’s History Month, discover inspiring figures to celebrate, and explore actionable ways to honor women all month long (and beyond).
What is Women’s History Month?
Observed in March, Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of women from all walks of life who have shaped history, broken barriers, and paved the way for future generations. This month-long celebration highlights women’s contributions in diverse fields such as science, politics, arts, activism, and even winemaking.
Whether you are familiar with well-known figures like Rosa Parks or Marie Curie, or are discovering lesser-known pioneers in your community, Women’s History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible diversity of women’s experiences.
The Origins of Women’s History Month
The journey to creating Women’s History Month began in 1978 with the first-ever "Women’s History Week" held right here in Santa Rosa, (Sonoma County) California. The week was timed to coincide with International Women’s Day (March 8), which already had a global presence. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 2-8 as Women's History Week. This move was part of a growing national interest in recognizing women’s roles in shaping society
By 1987, efforts from activists and organizations such as the National Women’s History Alliance led Congress to extend the celebration to the entire month. Today, Women’s History Month is not just a U.S. observance but is recognized globally, with many countries creating their unique ways of celebrating women’s contributions.
Why We Celebrate Women’s History Month
So why do we celebrate Women’s History Month? The answer is simple but powerful: Women’s stories, contributions, and experiences have often been overlooked or underappreciated. It’s an acknowledgment of their influence on society, from leading scientific breakthroughs to orchestrating social justice movements.
This month is also a chance to highlight ongoing gender equality issues. Women still face pay gaps, underrepresentation in leadership roles, and barriers in various industries. Celebrating Women’s History Month helps raise awareness and sparks meaningful action toward a more equitable future.
Influential Women to Celebrate During Women’s History Month
What’s a celebration of Women’s History Month without honoring some of the trailblazing women who’ve changed the course of history? Here’s a mix of iconic and under-the-radar names worth learning about and celebrating this March:
- Rosa Parks: A pivotal figure in the civil rights movement whose courage sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
- Marie Curie: The Nobel Prize-winning scientist who changed the game in chemistry and physics.
- Malala Yousafzai: The youngest Nobel laureate advocating for girls’ education worldwide.
- Billie Jean King: A tennis icon who fought for gender equality in sports.
- Winemaker Marcia Torres Forno: A leader in sustainable winemaking at Matanzas Creek Winery, crafting elegant and aromatic wines.
Want to explore more trailblazers? Learn about women winemakers here.
10 Ways to Celebrate Women’s History Month
Looking for meaningful ways to participate in Women’s History Month? Here are 10 impactful ways you can celebrate:
1. Support Women-Owned and Run Businesses
Shop locally or online from women-owned businesses! A perfect starting point? Explore wines crafted by phenomenal women winemakers at YourWineStore.
2. Read Books by Women Authors
Dive into works written by female authors, from life-changing memoirs to gripping fiction. Need a suggestion? Try Untamed by Glennon Doyle or The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates. Whether it's fiction, memoirs, or poetry, books written by women offer insight into diverse perspectives and experiences.
3. Attend a Women’s History Event
Many museums, universities, and community organizations host events in March to honor women’s contributions. From panel discussions to art exhibits, attending an event is a great way to engage with Women’s History Month on a deeper level.
4. Donate to Women’s Causes
Consider donating to organizations that advocate for women’s education, healthcare, and human rights, such as Malala Fund or Girls Who Code.
5. Watch Films by and About Women
Stream films that elevate women’s voices, like Hidden Figures or Lee, or enjoy documentaries like RBG for insight into Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legacy.
6. Highlight Women in Your Industry
Celebrate the women in your professional field. Share their stories on social media, mention them in blogs, or even organize a panel discussion about their work. A little recognition goes a long way.
7. Mentor and Empower Women
Offer guidance and mentorship to younger women in your community. Whether it’s career advice, skill-sharing, or encouragement, your support can make a real difference.
8. Learn About Trailblazing Women
Spend time researching the stories of women who’ve shattered glass ceilings. Share your findings with friends, kids, or your team at work.
9. Advocate for Women’s Rights
Join the movement for gender equality by supporting policies and advocacy groups that work for women’s rights. Whether it’s equal pay, healthcare access, or reproductive rights, supporting women’s causes is crucial year-round.
10. Celebrate the Women in Your Life
Take a moment to acknowledge the women who inspire you daily. A handwritten note, thoughtful gift, or kind gesture can go a long way.
Women in the Workplace: Celebrating Women in the Wine Industry
Women have long been underrepresented in industries dominated by men—but today, they’re making remarkable strides. The wine industry is a stunning example. While women made up only 14% of winemakers in California in 2020, their contributions have been game-changing.
Women-Led Wineries to Support
YourWineStore carries many brands—from California, Oregon, and Australia—whose wines are produced by female winemakers. Below are some of our favorites:
Matanzas Creek—Led by winemaker Marcia Torres Forno. Since 1977, this sustainability-focused winery has produced aromatic and vibrant Sauvignon Blancs and powerful Merlots.
La Crema—Facilities winemaker Lisa Valtenbergs helped La Crema secure Wine Enthusiast’s 2024 American Winery of the Year.
Cambria—A women-owned and women-led winery since its founding in Santa Barbara County in 1986. Winemaker Jill Russell believes that ‘happy people make great wine’ and passionately crafts Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rhône varietals that are prized for their texture, harmony, and energy.
Stonestreet—Winemaker Kristina Shideler crafts high-character wines from high-elevation vineyards on the Stonestreet Mountain Estate overlooking the Alexander Valley.
Giant Steps—Winemaker Melanie Chester works with six big-personality vineyard sites to produce highly acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Australia’s Yarra Yarra Valley.
Freemark Abbey—Kristy Melton is the eighth winemaker in Freemark Abbey’s more than 130-year history and its second female winemaker since Josephine Tychson in 1886. Kristy is known for crafting wines of structure, finesse, and age-worthiness.
Arrowood—Winemaker Kristina Shideler leads the helm here too, continuing Arrowood’s legacy as a pioneering producer of Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, crafting distinctive wines from the region’s diverse vineyards along the western ridges of the Mayacamas Mountains.
Cenyth & Vérité—Winemaker Hélène Seillan works closely with her father, Vigneron Pierre Seillan, at Vérité to craft three Bordeaux varietals that consistently receive perfect or near perfect acclaim. Cenyth is her solo project making delicious rosé.
Maggy Hawk—Winemaker Sarah Wuethrich crafts complex Pinot Noirs from Anderson Valley and is leading the way in championing regenerative agriculture.
Penner-Ash Wine Cellars—Winemaker Kate Ayres continues founder Lynn Penner-Ash’s work on crafting lush and layered Pinot Noirs from the most sought-after sites in the Willamette Valley.
Nielson—Winemaker Anna Clifford leads the close-knit Nielson team in the vineyards and the cellar, continuing to turn out stellar Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that are a steal for the price!
Windracer—Winemaker Nikki Weerts transforms the raw beauty and power of the grapes used for WindRacer into refined, elegant wines.
