Site Announcements

March is Women's History Month 2023

Last Updated: March 02, 2023

To celebrate this year’s Women’s History Month, observed throughout the month of March, Team AgLearn is providing information and resources to help all users learn more about this important annual commemoration.

The information below is a portion of content quoted from President Biden's Proclamation on Women's History Month, 2023 External Link.

"During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the countless women who have fought tirelessly and courageously for equality, justice, and opportunity in our Nation. We also reaffirm our commitment to advancing rights and opportunities for women and girls in the United States and around the world. We are mindful that we are building on the legacy of both recognized trailblazers and unsung heroines who have guided the course of American history and continue to shape its future."

The information below is a portion of content quoted from Secretary Tom Vilsack’s announcement to all USDA employees on March 02, 2023.

"March is Women’s History Month and as such we are provided with an opportunity for all of us to celebrate and honor the countless contributions of women to history, culture, and society. Not only do women help shape our history, but women also influence our lives personally. As Dr. Maya Angelou said, 'Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.'

Women continue to be an integral part of agriculture both here at USDA and in American business, and their hard work, dedication, and leadership are essential to the future success of the industry. It's important to recognize and celebrate their achievements and contributions, not just during Women's History Month, but all year round."

This and other Secretary Updates are available on OneUSDA External Link

Background

“Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 External Link 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 External Link 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.”

More information and resources about Women’s History Month External Link

Women’s History Month Events

USDA Women's History Month Observance

In preparation for Women’s History Month, OASCR External Link, in collaboration with NIFA and OCIO, are planning the USDA Women’s History Month Observance that will take place on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 1:00pm ET.

Register: USDA Women's History Month Observance Webinar Registration (Zoom) External Link

2023 Women's History Month Theme Announcement

The National Women's History Alliance External Link has designated a theme for Women's History Month each year. The theme for 2023 is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories External Link." This theme recognizes the contributions of women, both past and present, who have been active in various forms of media and storytelling, including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, news, and social media.