Gearing up for Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day

by | Feb 22, 2024 | Newsletters, Women Who Lead

Group of women all dressed in blue at UCBC in Democractic Republic of Congo for International Women's Day

They are just around the corner: Women’s History Month (the entire month of March) and International Women’s Day (March 8).

And we’re gearing up for the day and the month here at Impact Now.

Just a bit of background on Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day:

Both events are opportunities to highlight women’s achievements across various fields, from science and technology, to arts and education, and politics. The histories of each intertwine.

  • Some sources note 1909 as the first official National Women’s Day.
  • The first official International Women’s Day was in 1911.
  • The United Nations formally acknowledged the day in 1977.
  • In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 2-8 as Women’s History Week in the United States.
  • Seven years later, the US Congress officially established the month of March as a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women.
  • The United Kingdom and Australia also celebrate Women’s History Month in March.

In both cases—Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day—the goal is to ensure that the stories of women’s accomplishments have their rightful place in history. These two events also remind us that gender equality is a social imperative for progress and prosperity. 

image of a cake with Bonne Fete on in surrounded by cupcakes at an international women's day event in DR Congo

I’m embarrassed to admit that the first time I paid attention to Women’s History Month was 2016, when I was in Congo. There, at the Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC), was my introduction to International Women’s Day—a day of joy and celebration. March 8 now holds a permanent place on my calendar. 

The entire month of March and International Women’s Day hold permanent places on our calendar at Impact Now.

This year is particularly noteworthy. We are embarking on a collaboration with UCBC to offer strategic leadership development for women in the larger community of Beni. We’re working with a team at UCBC to meet leadership growth needs for female leaders in businesses, churches, schools, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Right now we are in the program development phase. We plan to launch the six-month program with an initial cohort of 15 women leaders this coming June.

Women’s History Month will see the launch of a fundraising campaign for the program. We already know, for example, that the minimum cost of the program for each participant is $900—an amount that even organizational leaders in Beni find impossible to pay. 

I hope you will follow this new initiative and consider donating during Women’s History Month. Funds raised during Women’s History Month will make it possible for us to provide leadership development for women in Beni. They, in turn, will contribute to the progress and prosperity of their communities.

Finally, make sure to celebrate women in your life or organization whose contributions have made a positive difference in this world.