| National Women's
History Month grew from an effort to recognize
and celebrate the accomplishments of women
in American history. In 1978, the Education
Task Force of the Sonoma County, California,
Commission on the Status of Women initiated
Women's History Week. In 1987--at the request
of museums, libraries, and educators across
the country--the National Women's History
Project successfully petitioned Congress
to expand the celebration to the entire month
of March.
This year’s theme, “Women Inspiring Hope and Possibility,” celebrates
the lives of women like Sarah Buel, Domestic Violence Activist, Attorney, and
Educator; Edna Campbell, Professional Athlete, Spokesperson for Breast Cancer
Awareness; Jill Ker Conway, Educator, Writer, Historian; Marian Wright Edelman,
Children Rights Advocate and Civil Rights Activist; Maxine Hong Kingston, Writer,
Educator, Peace Activist; Susan Love, Women's Health and Breast Cancer Research
Expert; Vilma Martinez, Civil Rights Attorney, Community Activist; and Leslie
Marmon Silko, Writer, Poet, Educator. Their lives and work affirm the American
spirit and embody the truest meaning of hope and possibility.
American women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made historic
contributions to the growth and strength of our Nation in countless recorded
and unrecorded ways. They have played a unique role throughout the history of
this great Nation in securing not only their own civil rights in creating a fair
and just society, but also those of others through their role in the peace movement
and the industrial labor movement. Women account for nearly half of all workers
in the U.S. Labor Force. Since 1979, women have comprised the majority of college
students. Women military veterans number 1.6 million, and those currently serving
their country number approximately 164,000. A record number of women are now
serving in Congress. Over recent decades, women have made significant strides
in business, education, the military, and government, and by example, have given
all young people in America inspiration and hope to be all they can be.
I am proud to recognize the many contributions women have made to American history,
and I encourage all Department of Defense Dependent Schools Pacific employees
to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies and activities, and to remember
throughout the year the many contributions of American women.
Nancy
C. Bresell
Director, DoDDS Pacific
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