The 8th of March 1911 saw the birthday of International Women’s Day in Europe, before then women had no power therefore no voice. Her role was essentially a home maker. However, by 1911 women’s issues began to move up the political agenda thanks to the women’s suffergets movements who were determined to make their feelings known, their voices heard and declare their willingness to die for the cause if necessary.

The media began to write articles, books were published, letters were written to members of parliament and public demonstrations were held in an effort to launch their philosophy centre stage into the public arena. Their efforts were thwarted by the ravages of the 1930’s economic depression and later World War II. These pressing events left little time to focus on a women’s movement. It was not until the late 50’ that a revival began to emerge which really took off in earnest during the early 60’s, with the women’s liberation movement and the concept of individuality and freedom of expression.

Until the 1970 women were barely visible in US historical literature which was almost completely dominated by men, the main protagonists. The movement was led by white middle and upper class women who awakened feelings of self-worth and the desire for greater aspirations for themselves. It enabled them to see new opportunities perhaps for the first time. Then in 1970’s the old ideas generally began to be replaced, shining the spotlight on women’s issues in the areas of health, education, gender related poverty, birth control, marriage, sexuality and child-rearing. The notion that a woman’s place was in the home was beginning to fade as an unpleasant memory.

What has now become a month long celebration began as only one week in March 1970 set to coincide with International Women’s day. It was hosted by the school district of Sonoma, California  and was regarded as a great success. Thereafter the week long celebrations was held annually during March. The idea developed a life of its own and rapidly caught on from district to district and state to state, until 1978 when congress extended the focus for the event to be celebrated for the entire month of March. It was regarded as an effective tool for promoting equality amongst student in the classrooms.

In the early days women’s history concerned itself with the aspirations of white middle and upper class women, hardly surprising as they were the cheerleaders who began the movement. However it was felt that they forgot to include African and Native American women as well as the female population from other races living in the US. The movement engages in the planning of stimulating programs designed to focus attention on the role on women in society, past, present and future. Past themes have included ‘Writing Women Back into History’ 2010, ‘Our History, Our Strength’ 2011, ‘Women’s Education - Women’s Empowerment, 2012.

The United States, United kingdom and Australia all celebrate ‘Women’s History Month’ in March to coincide with International Women’s Day, Canada however celebrates the event in October to coincide with ‘Persons Day’. How long it will take to achieve international recognition is debatable, because in many countries around the world, women have neither personal nor political freedom. They are still seen as second class citizens with no intrinsic value other than their roles as wives and mothers.