Women’s History Month 2025

Women’s History Month is celebrated annually in March to honor the contributions of women throughout history, society, and culture. Established nationally in 1987, it corresponds with International Women’s Day on March 8.

Women’s History Month began as “Women’s History Week” in Santa Rosa, California, in 1978, coinciding with International Women’s Day. It gained national recognition through President Jimmy Carter’s proclamation in 1980.  Congress designated March as Women’s History Month in 1987, and annual presidential proclamations have continued since then.

Celebrating Women’s History Month in Sonoma County offers a variety of engaging events, exhibitions, and activities. Here are some ways to participate:

Local events here in Sonoma County:

Advocating for Your Health: Conversations with Dr. Eki’Shola Edwards:

• Date: March 11th, March 16th, and April 6th
• Location: Virtual
• Description: A three-part online conversation series focusing on healthcare advocacy.

Breathless Wines:

• Date: Sunday, March 13th
• Time: 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Location: Breathless Wines, Healdsburg
• Description: Wine tasting and book signing featuring notable women from history.

Bessie, Billie and Nina — Pioneering Women in Jazz

• Date: Tuesday, March 22nd
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa
• Description: A musical tribute to Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, and Nina Simone.

Documentary Film Discussion Group: Miss Representation

• Date: Thursday, March 24th
• Time: 6-7 p.m.
• Location: Virtual
• Description: A discussion on the documentary highlighting women’s underrepresentation in media.

STEAM Bilingual Storytime with Miss Kelly

• Date: Wednesday, March 30th
• Time: 10:30-11 a.m.
• Location: Virtual
• Description: A storytime event celebrating women in STEAM fields.

Exhibitions

"Feminist Art and Power”

• Location: Museum of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa
• Duration: Throughout Women’s History Month until June 5th
• Description: An exhibition featuring feminist art from diverse backgrounds.

“Finding Our Roots: Women of Petaluma Flourishing and Blooming over the Years”

• Location: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
• Duration: March 22 – April 22
• Description: An exhibition highlighting the history of women in Petaluma.

Library Events and Resources

• Book Lists and Media: Explore recommended books, eBooks, audiobooks, and streaming media focused on women’s history.

Special Events: Attend discussions, workshops, and activities celebrating women’s contributions at various Sonoma County Library branches.

The theme for Women’s History Month 2025 is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope” in Sonoma County, focusing on women’s roles in healing and promoting hope across cultures. However, the national theme for 2025 is "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations"         

Women’s History Month is an opportunity to:

              1.         Recognize women’s achievements across all fields.

              2.         Inspire future generations through education and storytelling.

              3.         Promote inclusivity and equality by highlighting often-overlooked contributions.

You can engage by attending events, exploring exhibitions, or learning about influential women through online resources.