As women's events such as International Women's Day became more widely observed, many educators believed that the role of women in history textbooks and instruction deserved more attention.
In March 1978, schools in the United States celebrated the first women's history event, using International Women's Day as its highlight. The event began as a week-long celebration to promote the study of women's history. Activities, such as a "Real Woman" essay contest, were created for the event. The essay contest encouraged students to write about the importance of their favorite women in history.
Congress passed a resolution in 1981 that made Women's History Week official and expanded it to Women's History Month in 1987.
Today, schools and communities continue to use the month of March to promote the study and appreciation of women's history.
Learn more about the women pictured above in this month's issue of Periscope!
