Library: Women's History Month: About Women's History Month

Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.

Women's History Month. (n.d.). About. https://womenshistorymonth.gov/about/

2025 theme: Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations

"For 2025, the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) proudly presents the theme 'Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.'

"This theme celebrates the collective strength and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. Through their efforts, they have served as an inspiration for all generations — both past and present."

National Women's History Alliance. (2025). Moving forward together! Women educating and inspiring generations. https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/NWHA-2025-Theme.pdf

2025 Women's History Month events at Buffalo State University

Women in Music Festival's Forum Discussion: What We Don’t Want to Pass Down to the Next Generations About Women in Music

Wednesday, March 5, 4:30-5:30pm, Ciminelli Recital Hall (Rockwell Hall)

Discussion with Faculty/Alumni in Music.

Panelists: Dr. Fernanda Lastra, Allison Costanzo-Metcalfe, Karen Saxon, Dr. Emily Boyce, and Dr. Ho Eui Holly Bewlay

Facilitator: Jennifer Toohey

Collaboration between Women in Music Festival Buffalo 2025 & BSU’s Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Music Student Concert featuring music by women composers

Thursday, March 6, Ciminelli Recital Hall (Rockwell Hall)

Doors open at 11:45am

Performance starts at 12:15 pm

The Buffalo State University Music Department is happy to host the 2024 Women and Music Festival. Join us in the Louis P. Ciminelli Recital Hall for a performance featuring Buffalo State music students as part of the festival.

Beyond Boundaries film screening & discussion: Power of the Dream (2024)

Thursday, March 6, 7pm, Burchfield Penney Art Center’s Tower Auditorium

The WNBA's journey from underestimation to activism, fighting for equal rights, fair compensation, and social justice, ultimately impacting US politics. Watch Trailer

Guests Concert featuring music by women composers

Friday, March 7, Ciminelli Recital Hall (Rockwell Hall)

Doors open at 7:00pm

Performance starts at 7:30pm

The Buffalo State University Music Department is happy to host the 2024 Women and Music Festival. Join us in the Louis P. Ciminelli Recital Hall for a special performance featuring students and faculty from around Western New York and the Fingerlakes Region as part of the festival.

Music Faculty & Alumni Pre-Concert Talk and Concert featuring music by women composers

Sunday, March 9, Ciminelli Recital Hall (Rockwell Hall)

Doors open at 2 pm

Pre-Concert Talk starts at 2:30 pm

Performance starts at 3pm

LGBTQ+ Community Organizing Forum

Wednesday, March 12, 4:30-6pm, Tech 160

Panel discussion with local LGBTQ+ community organizers.

Join us for a forum featuring local LGBTQ+ grassroots community organizers. Learn some of the history of local LGBTQ+ community organizing and find out how you can get involved today! Meet like-minded people and connect with others in our community.

Sponsored by Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; partially funded by the Grant Allocation Committee.

Physical and digital display of books related to Women’s History Month

E. H. Butler Library. LibGuide and digital collection.

Buffalo State University resources

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies "is an interdisciplinary field that examines gender, sexuality, and women’s experiences. ... At SUNY Buffalo State, students can earn a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. The minor is open to people of all genders in every major."
Gender Inclusive Housing
"The main purpose for Gender Inclusive Housing (GIH) is to provide support to students who wish to have a living option that best aligns with their gender identity and to not limit their choices. We recognize that single-gender housing may not be comfortable for all students. Students who sign up for GIH will be assigned to suites in Tower 3 and will be allowed to have roommates/ suitemates from across the gender spectrum. The Residence Life Office believes that it is important to evolve our housing policy to meet the needs of all students and to create a positive, inclusive community."
Gender Inclusive Restrooms on Campus
A list and map of gender-inclusive restrooms at Buffalo State
Name Change Form
"Students who wish to use a “preferred” or “chosen” name now have the means to do so. This process allows the preferred name to appear on class rosters and other local instances. Diplomas and transcripts will continue to use the student’s legal name.
"Students who have graduated or have separated from Buffalo State College and have had a legal name change can now update their name to more properly represent themselves."