Among other commemorations such as Youth in Art Month, March also happens to be Women’s History Month. March 8 was International Women’s Day (IWD), a day celebrated annually to give focus to issues such as gender equality, abortion rights, and violence and abuse against women, all topics that are in the news.
The first Women’s Day took place on February 28, 1909, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the New York City garment workers’ strikes. Women’s History Month did not become a regular occurrence until1981 when, California’s Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women created Women’s Week, coinciding with International Women’s Day, to honor women’s achievements. (Liveyourdream.org offers a wealth of information on Women’s History Month if you want to dig deeper.)
The idea gained momentum and in 1987, the National Women’s History Project successfully lobbied Congress to designate all of March as National Women’s History Month. Since then, it has become an annual observance in the United States. (Globally, March 8th is observed as Women’s Day, while other countries designate the month of their choice Women’s Month.)
This year’s theme for Women’s History Month is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” The theme celebrates women who work for a positive future where women can thrive without discrimination.
Many great events started out the month, including activities at The Freeman Arts Pavilion and the Rehoboth Art League’s celebration entitled Artful Voices.
The University of Delaware invites you to visit the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Art Exhibition. “The exhibition, featuring portraits by Delaware Artist Theresa Walton, pays homage to outstanding Delaware women and marks the start of Women’s History Month in March,” on view March 2024 through January 2025 at the Alfred Lerner Hall Atrium.
The United Way of Delaware is also honoring women of note in the state through “Stories of Courage and Contribution.” Here’s a peek into three:
- Elana Della Donne: “A powerhouse on the basketball court, Elena started her career with the University of Delaware Blue Hens, she’s earned two MVP awards in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), a WNBA Championship, and gold medals from the Olympics and World Cup.”
- Bebe Coker: “As a dedicated community activist for over 50 years, Bebe Coker has been a tireless advocate for social justice and community empowerment. Throughout her career, she has worked towards creating positive change within her community, addressing issues such as education, healthcare, and economic inequality.”
- Ruth Ann Minner: “Breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings, Ruth Ann Minner made history as the first female governor of Delaware. Her tenure marked a significant milestone in women’s history, demonstrating that women could excel in leadership roles traditionally dominated by men.”
The Georgetown Public Library is celebrating the Women of Delaware History each Friday in March (in person). (For those rainy days, there’s also a great online tour: CLICK TO VIEW.)
The Visit Delaware site is another good resource for additional information about Women in History Month in the First State.
Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry s a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.