E. H. Butler Library: Women's History Month: About 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/

2023 Theme: Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories

The National Women’s History Alliance, which spearheaded the movement for March being declared National Women’s History Month, has announced the women’s history theme for 2023, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.”

Throughout 2023, the NWHA will encourage recognition of women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, and more. The timely theme honors women in every community who have devoted their lives and talents to producing art, pursuing truth, and reflecting the human condition decade after decade.

From the earliest storytellers through pioneering journalists, our experiences have been captured by a wide variety of artists and teachers. These include authors, songwriters, scholars, playwrights, performers, and grandmothers throughout time. Women have long been instrumental in passing on our heritage in word and in print to communicate the lessons of those who came before us. Women’s stories, and the larger human story, expand our understanding and strengthen our connections with each other.

National Women's History Alliance. (n.d.). 2023 theme. https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/2023-theme/

Buffalo State University resources

Women and Gender Studies
"Women and Gender Studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines gender, sexuality, and women’s experiences. ... At SUNY Buffalo State, students can earn a minor in Women and Gender 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."