Women’s History Month 2024: A month of celebrations of women past and present

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Women’s History Month is an important annual celebration that helps us reflect on the challenges facing gender rights and highlight the stories of inspiring women through the ages.
The month-long event is recognized by businesses, governments and local groups worldwide, giving people a vital glimpse into women’s stories throughout history.
Women’s History Month is just around the corner, coinciding with the annual International Women’s Day on March 8. What’s more, Mother’s Day in the UK is marked on March 10, so there’s lots of cause to honour all the inspiring women in our lives next month.
While the celebrations have a long history, there’s still a long road before equality is reached around our world.
Each year, women are encouraged to celebrate their achievements while reflecting on the successes of those who came before them.
So here’s everything you need to know about Women’s History Month 2024.

London institutions are celebrating Women’s History Month this March.
Getty Images
What is Women’s History Month?
Women’s History Month started as just a week-long celebration in the 1980s. It has since evolved into a month-long celebration that champions women’s rights as well as the achievements of women throughout history.
It’s a celebration recognised in many parts of the world between March 1 and March 31, 2024.
From Emmeline Pankhurst to Rosa Parks, a number of important women from history are usually commemorated during this month, as well as emerging figures in the female rights and gender equality space.
While this is a month-long celebration, people are encouraged to carry the lessons and messages shared during this time with them going forward.

AP
When did the month first get celebrated?
International Women’s Day takes place on March 8 and was first recognized in 1911. However, the month-long celebrations didn’t come till much later.
The legacy of Women’s History Month can be traced back to the United States, with reports suggesting the first week kicked off in California in 1978. At the time, people were encouraged to write a ‘Real Woman’ essay.
It seems like international celebrations only really got going a few years later, with US President Jimmy Carter declaring the first National Women’s History Week in 1980.
In the UK, it’s thought the firstly weekly celebrations emerged in 1981 before it became a month-long event in 1987.
This means that Women’s History Month has been around for more than four decades and continues to be a crucial annual celebration around the world.

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What is this year’s theme?
Each year, Women’s History Month is assigned a theme that underlines the topics covered in the celebration.
“During 2024, we recognize the example of women who are committed to embracing everyone and excluding no one in our common quest for freedom and opportunity,” the organization said.
Past themes have reportedly included ‘Women Taking the Lead to Save our Planet’ and ‘Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to be Silenced’.
Alongside the monthly theme, this year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Count Her In: Invest in Women”.
Is it celebrated around the world?
Women’s History Month is thought to have global ties, but some standout countries prioritise it each year in March.
In the UK, for example, countless events will be held throughout the month to recognize the achievements of women in history. London School of Economics (LSE) will host a number of talks and conferences across March to recognize the importance of Women’s History Month.
Similarly, in the United States, a number of organizations will host events around the country in recognition of Women’s History Month.
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