Motivation Mondays: Celebrating Women’s History Month and More…
“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.” Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Motivation Mondays: Celebrating Women’s History Month and More…
As we celebrate Women’s History Month in our homes and communities, let us pause to consider the bravery and determination of all the women, activists, mothers, sisters, leaders, and teachers who paved the way for us. For every woman who gets to choose a career path that was once dominated by men, there were pioneers who opened those doors, sometimes at great cost to their relationships and lives. As women, we can encourage each other to live our best lives by opening our doors, our hearts, and our minds to the power of our community. We can make a difference by mentoring other women and by respecting our differences. When we start to applaud the humanity that resides in every woman, and step away from petty conflicts and exaggerated slights, we will achieve much more.
Women’s History Month began in New York City on March 8, 1857, when female textile workers marched to improve working conditions, and it celebrates women’s contributions in American history. In 1987, the US Congress expanded it from a weekly to a monthly celebration. Every year, the National Women’s History Alliance (NHWA) has a theme for the occasion. This year, the theme for Women’s History Month 2026 is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” This recognizes the powerful leadership of women in creating a future that is rooted in equity, justice, and opportunity for all.
NHWA’s Goals are to honor, educate, inspire, connect, and envision Women’s leadership and achievements.
How to Celebrate: Spotlight Local Leaders, Promote Intersections, Take Action, and Use NWHA Resources.
Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 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 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 Clinton, Bush and Obama have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” Womens History Month.Gov
“Don’t think about making women fit the world – think about making the world fit women.” Gloria Steinem, American Journalist & Social-Political Activist
Motivation Mondays: Celebrating Women’s History Month and More…
Does Women’s History Matter? Of course it does. You might wonder why I ask … I do so because some of us don’t understand or agree that it’s important. Women’s History Month matters because it reminds us to take a closer look at our journey and collective history and to consider where more work is needed. We celebrate to honor all those unsung women who fought for women’s rights globally, to encourage those women who continue to fearlessly make a difference, and to bring attention to issues/areas where women remain marginalized, such as wage parity, access to education, and economic opportunities globally. Women’s history matters because it is a reminder to share our experiences with our daughters, sisters, and everyone. So, let me reassure you that celebrating the accomplishments of our gender is NOT a negation of the accomplishments of the opposite gender.
When we celebrate Women’s History Month, we also honor International Women’s Day (IWD), observed every March 8th to commemorate women’s fight for equality and liberation, as well as the women’s rights movement. International Women’s Day gives focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.
While its origins can be traced back to early 20th-century labor movements, NY socialists in 1909 and even Lenin in 1922, 1911 saw the first International Women’s Day rallies in Europe, with over a million women marching.
According to the IWD website, this year marks 115 years of activism, and the 2026 theme is Give To Gain, which emphasizes the power of reciprocity and support.
The overarching aims of IWD are to: Celebrate women’s achievements. Raise awareness. Mobilize action. And Foster solidarity. The movement’s colors are: Purple for justice, dignity, and loyalty. Green for hope and White for sisterhood, solidarity, and purity.
The United Nations has supported and promoted IWD since 1977 with activism and a theme. This year, their theme is Rights. Justice. Action.
Let’s Give to Gain for gender equality.
Give respect
Give donations
Give visibility
Give knowledge
Give funding
Give justice
Give resources
Give a voice
Give protection
Give truth
Give equal pay
Give celebration
Give sponsorship
Give mentoring
Give credit
Give budget
Give introductions
Give workshops
Give opportunities
Give safety
Give training
Give stretch assignments
Give momentum
Give role models
Give growth
Give access
Give time
More Below!
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” Michelle Obama
Motivation Mondays: Celebrating Women’s History Month and More…
We celebrate Women’s History Month because we can’t afford to forget the struggle for women’s rights. To forget our collective history would mean to forget the key point of our struggle for gender equity, the right to vote, and the right to an array of freedoms that are still not available to all women globally. We celebrate our history for so many reasons, but we can start by thanking the phenomenal women who matter in our lives. What more can we do? Below are some suggestions from BuildOn. Earlier in this post, the GivetoGain theme included some ways we can give to each other. Go do it!
From Build On: 10 ways to celebrate women’s history month, support women, and make an impact
10. Support women-owned businesses
9. Explore Women’s Art and Culture
8. Amplify Women’s Voices
7. Organize a Book Club Focused on Female Authors
6. Volunteer at Women’s Shelter Organizations
5. Host or Attend Local Events Celebrating Female Voices
4. Support Organizations with Fair Hiring Practices
3. Donate to Support buildOn’s Adult Literacy Program
2. Support Organizations That Fund Women’s Businesses
1. Build a Community School on a buildOn Trek
For More: Women’s Lives & Issues
“Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!” Anne Frank
Positive Motivation Tip: Let’s celebrate all the great women we know who have impacted our lives. Let’s begin by thanking ourselves, our moms, our grandmoms, and our daughters. It Starts with US!
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PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos: International Women’s Day 2026 via Adobe Stock Free, Celebrating 115 Years via IWD website, Women’s History Month via Stock Free Adobe
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
It’s always important to celebrate achievements, milestones, and women’s history month is no exception! The women that fought for our rights and those to get us to where we are today deserves it. For without them, I couldn’t imagine what kind of life women these days would be living.
Maureen
True, and the struggle to snatch back our gains is real. We cannot afford to be complacent.
While a month celebrating us women is lovely, it’s important that as a society, we continue to uplift and acknowledge the efforts and successes of women all year-round! This month and beyond, we truly are shaping the change of the future for ourselves, and for generations to come.
Happiest of IWDs to you, Elizabeth! 🙂
And a very Happy WHM and IWD to you too! Yes, year round impact is imperative.
This is a good article about Women’s History Month, encouraging appreciation of women’s achievements, empowerment, equality, and inspiration worldwide.
Thank you Catherine. I agree with your observations.
This was such an uplifting Motivation Monday post. I love how you tied the message of perseverance and encouragement to Women’s History Month, reminding us that the courage and determination of women throughout history still inspire us today. It’s a beautiful reminder that small acts of encouragement and belief in one another can create a ripple effect for future generations.
We can make a difference and each of us has the capacity to do so…
This was such a wonderful reminder of how important Women’s History Month is. So many incredible women helped pave the way for the opportunities we have today. I love the message about supporting and uplifting each other because when women encourage one another, amazing things can happen.
I agree. We don’t see enough of us doing that especially with powerful women. We need greater unity.
For those of us who have seen the difference between the generations, of how women have been treated over the years, this matters a lot!! Happy Women’s History Month to you!
Yes. And a very Happy Month to you too!
This is a great article, I especially like the list of things we can do to make an impact. Thanks for sharing!
I like that they are quite easy to do too!
Very wise words for International Women’s Day, Month, and honestly, so keep in mind every single day. As a woman, celebrate who we are and keep fighting for equality is an everyday task.
We must do that for sure and pull others up and along with us.
Such great words of wisdom and motivation. So thankful for those who have opened the doors and our minds to the power of some many new opportunities that there was not once available to women.
We have a long way to go but we are making some progress.
We really can make a difference to other women by being supportive of each other no matter what. Wage is an ongoing issue that we need to work together to overcome. The gap is still there, we need to finally close it once and for all!
Sadly, even our congress can’t agree on the need for wage parity. I hear you!
I love this so much. Women have played such a pivotal part of all aspects of history, and that needs to be honored.
True and we continue to make an impact on the world.
I love that a whole month is devoted to woman history. I am going to start learning more about these ladies.
Thank you. I learn more about it every day too. We need this information.
I love this post. Women are the best. I am so lucky to have known and been raised by some spectacular ones. I am raising a wonderful woman. I think it’s time we get rid of the patriarchy and start a matriarchy.
Haha I knew you’d go there Amber! We have always had the matriarchy. We need to reclaim the throne.
This is a great time to celebrate and raise awareness, and educate ourselves. I enjoyed reading through your post. I will have to try some of your suggestions.
Thank you too for making the effort. Appreciated.
Hearing that textile workers started this movement back in eighteen fifty seven is fascinating. I usually overlook the history behind these celebrations. Applauding our shared humanity instead of focusing on petty conflicts is a great message.
Definitely. we do better when we work together.
I really enjoyed this Motivation Monday post! It reminded me to celebrate the women in my life and keep honoring their strength and stories every day.
Happy International Women’s Day! Celebrate!
great post and you tie everyday contributions alongside famous figures — it feels more inclusive – thanks for the inspirations
I love inclusivity as we are so diverse on this planet yet, some want to dominate the narrative.
Happy International Women’s Day! I love the idea of supporting women-owned businesses, and that’s exactly what I’m planning to do today. I’ll be placing online orders from at least five of them.
Happy International Women’s Day! Good action. Bravo for you!!!
I really appreciated this Motivation Monday post. Your words are such a bright and encouraging start to the week. Tying the message of resilience and self‑belief to Women’s History Month makes it feel even more meaningful and inspiring. Thank you for reminding us that honoring the courage of women in history can fuel our own confidence and daily goals
I pray so… we have come so far and we have a long way to go. I’m with you on building our confidence as a daily act of defiance against the pathriachy!
Honestly I also liked that you said celebrating women’s achievements isn’t taking anything away from men, because that still seems to get misunderstood way too often. The little list from BuildOn was useful too, especially supporting women owned businesses and female authors. Feels a lot more doable when you break it down into actual actions like that.
I agree and that taking away from men talk sometimes clouds the important work that needs to be done… sadly.
Women’s History Month is such an important time to remember the women who fought for opportunities many of us have today. I really like the message about supporting and mentoring other women.
Mentoring is so important especially as young women enter the world of work. Sadly, some women become the abusers too.
This really resonated: “Opening our doors, *our hearts*, and our minds to the power of our community.” Women are natural nurturers, and we give and give and give so much every single day. To the point of exploitation especially in vulnerable communities that are misogynistic or patriarch-centered. I pray there is more giving of appreciation, voice, credit (I’m so tired of men taking credit for women’s ideas and work!) Give time, justice, safety, equal pay, access, and opportunities. On a personal accountability level I’ll be building on #8, 10 and 6.
Thank you for your insightful reply. I’m with you on that note. We give till we have nothing left for ourselves. We need balance and self care for sure.
This is such a wonderful and inspiring reminder of the strength and impact women have had throughout history. I love the focus on supporting, mentoring, and uplifting one another. When women encourage other women, amazing things can truly happen.
That is true. There is power in unity and action that is inclusive.
I really liked how this didn’t stop at just celebrating women’s achievements, but also talked about what we can actively do for each other now. The part about mentoring, giving visibility, and stepping away from petty division felt especially meaningful. It left me feeling encouraged in a very grounded way.
We need to address it because we are often pitted against each other as women and our collective action can make a difference.
This had such a thoughtful mix of reflection, history, and motivation. I liked that it celebrated women’s achievements while also calling out things like wage parity, access, and opportunity, because that honesty matters. A warm and uplifting post for the start of the week.
I’m glad that it resonated with you. We are all in this together for good and not so good.