Digital Resources for National Women's History Month

National Women's History Month has its roots in a March 8, 1857, protest against low wages and harsh working conditions launched by female garment and textile factory workers in New York City. Although there had been increased concern about the lack of representation of women in history throughout the 20th century, it was not until 1981 that Congress established National Women's History week, the second week in March, coinciding with International Women's Day (March 8). In 1987 National Women's History Week was expanded to a month-long observance. Since then, every year Congress passes a resolution for Women's History Month along with a proclamation from the President.

The AFT has developed a Web page to help teachers celebrate the month in their classrooms. See www.aft.org/tools4teachers/women/.