Women’s History Month is a time for people of all genders to acknowledge and uplift the accomplishments and contributions of women worldwide. This month, we honor all the women who thrived, innovated, and never gave up – their tenacity and drive inspires current and future generations.

At the same time we celebrate, we must reflect. This month is also a reminder of what progress can be made to support women, mothers, and birthing people. As our nation heals from both the pandemic and the structural racism and sexism that has persisted for so long, it’s important to acknowledge that women and mothers of color have sacrificed the most.

A Look Back

Browse this curated collection of illuminating accounts of women’s history.

Celebrating 10 Women Medical Pioneers

From the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): These inspiring women endured poverty, deep-seated stereotypes, and discrimination, but they went on to build hospitals, win a Nobel Prize, lead a medical school, and dramatically improve the health of millions. Read their incredible stories.

Women of Color in STEM

From Maryville University: As long as science, technology, engineering, and math have existed, women have contributed to innovations and discoveries, as shown by this brief overview of a few women of color in STEM throughout history.

A New Book of Photographs Traces the Portrayal of Black African Women Through Time

From Harper’s Bazaar: Writer and curator Catherine E. McKinley, who specializes in African photography, has spent a lifetime thoughtfully collecting images of Black men and women whose fuller stories may elude us, but whose photographs offer viewers snippets of histories in which others might find glimpses of themselves.

Celebrating with Kids

No matter how we personally identify, we all play a role in fostering respect for all women. Here are some resources to support celebrating Women’s History Month with the children in your life.

Women’s History Month Book Collection

From the Children’s Literacy Initiative (CLI): In order to authentically tell our nation’s history, CLI encourages educators to paint a clearer picture by telling “Stories that consider women’s gender expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity and ability...” (Learning for Justice, formerly called Teaching Tolerance).

Celebrate Women’s History Month with Kids

From Parents: Unsure how to share Women’s History Month with your child? This guide offers model language and books to keep the conversation going throughout the year.

Keeping it Intersectional

What does Women’s History Month mean for women of color? For people who experience gender differently? How do intersecting identities impact women’s experiences in 2021, and what can we learn from the past? Here are some insightful pieces that remind us how an intersectional approach will always result in the most progress for the most people.

Black Trans Women Have Always Been Integral in the Fight for Women’s Rights

From Harper’s Bazaar: The women’s rights movement wouldn’t be the indomitable force it is today without the radical leadership of women of intersectional identities. Learn more about how the term intersectionality came to be and why it's so important to shared liberation. 

Being a Trans Woman During WHM

From Bustle: From the majority of the events and writing that surround Women's History Month, it'd be easy to get the impression that queer and trans women have contributed little to nothing to the advancement of mankind. Even when queer or trans women are included, often their identities are erased or glossed over. Read more about how this can affect young women and girls.