Celebrating Women’s History Month

In March, we celebrate Women’s History Month to acknowledge the incredible contributions that women have made throughout history. This month provides us with a valuable opportunity to reflect on the achievements and milestones that have shaped the world we live in today.

Women’s History Month traces its roots back to the early 20th century when International Women’s Day was first observed in various countries around the world. The idea of dedicating an entire month to honor women’s contributions gained momentum in the United States during the 1970s. In 1987, Congress officially designated March as National Women’s History Month, recognizing the vital role women have played in shaping our society.

Some notable female figures throughout history include:

• Katherine Johnson, an African-American mathematician who played a crucial role in NASA’s early space missions. Her precise calculations were instrumental in the success of the first manned spaceflights, including the historic Apollo 11 mission to the moon.
• Valentina Tereshkova, a Soviet cosmonaut who became the first woman to travel into space in 1963.
• Dolores Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers union and played a key role in advocating for the rights of agricultural workers, many of whom were Hispanic. Her activism and dedication to social justice have left a lasting impact.
• Patsy Mink, of Japanese descent, was the first woman of Asian descent elected to the United States Congress. She served in the House of Representatives and co-authored the Title IX Amendment of the Higher Education Act, prohibiting gender-based discrimination in education.
• Ada Lovelace, an English mathematician, is often regarded as the world’s first computer programmer for her work on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine in the mid-1800s.

Events happening around NYC – anyone can celebrate!

*NYC Public Library (various branches)
o Saturday, March 16 @ 4pm (53rd Street Library) – Author Talk: Maytê Carvalho & Helena Simon
o Monday, March 18 @ 3:30pm (Soundview Library) – Women’s History Collection Scavenger Hunt
o Wednesday, March 20 @ 7pm (Stephen A. Schwarzman Building) – Marilynne Robinson with Ayana Mathis: Reading Genesis
o Thursday, March 21 @ 6:30pm (Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library) – Food for Thought Book Club

*NYC Parks and Recreation Department – Women’s History Month
o Saturday, March 16, 11am – 3pm: National Girls & Women in Sports Day at Greenbelt Recreation Center in Staten Island
NYC Parks hosts a day of games and activities.
o Saturday, March 23, 2pm – 3pm at Marine Park Alliance in Brooklyn:
This celebration combines Women’s History Month with St. Patrick’s Day, as we recognize women of Irish descent. Program will include a talk, trivia, and performance by the O’Malley Dance Academy.
o Saturday, March 30, 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm – Women in STEM: Women’s History Month Exhibit and Table Talk at Springfield Lane and 149th Avenue (in Idlewild Park):
Explore the inspiring stories of women in science worldwide and hear firsthand from female professionals.