March is here, and that means it’s time to honor Women’s History Month—a month dedicated to celebrating the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women throughout history. Placerville, California, let’s make this month more than just a calendar event. Let’s turn it into a community-wide celebration that educates, inspires, and maybe even has a little fun along the way. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Why March Matters: A Quick History Lesson

Before you start planning your Women’s History Month activities, let’s talk about why March was chosen for this celebration. Back in the late 1970s, women’s history was barely mentioned in schools or public life. In response, the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women launched Women’s History Week in 1978. They strategically centered it around March 8, International Women’s Day—a day already recognized globally.

The movement gained traction quickly. By 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month, thanks to tireless lobbying efforts by educators and activists. And here we are today, celebrating not just a week but an entire month dedicated to recognizing the contributions of women who have shaped our world.

Placerville: Let’s Make This Month Count

Placerville folks, this is your chance to shine! Whether you’re hosting events or just looking for ways to celebrate, there are plenty of ways to make Women’s History Month meaningful right here in our community.

1. Host a Local Event

Why not organize an event that celebrates women? Here are some ideas:

• Film Screening Night: Showcase movies directed by women or featuring strong female leads. Think Greta Gerwig or Ava DuVernay.
• Art Exhibit: Display works by female artists like Frida Kahlo or Georgia O’Keeffe.
• Book Club: Dive into books written by influential women—Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Maya Angelou, or Jane Austen.
• Community Walk: Gather your neighbors for a “Walk for Women” event. Share stories about inspiring women as you stroll through Placerville’s charming streets.

2. Support Women-Owned Businesses

Placerville is home to many talented female entrepreneurs and creators. Whether it’s grabbing coffee at a woman-owned café or buying handmade goods from local artisans, your support matters. Every purchase is a vote for equality.

3. Spread Awareness on Social Media

Social media is powerful—use it! Share posts about historical trailblazers like Susan B. Anthony or Harriet Tubman. Post quotes from inspiring women like Malala Yousafzai or Eleanor Roosevelt. Or better yet, highlight local Placerville women who are making a difference today.

Trailblazers Who Paved the Way

Let’s take a moment to appreciate some of the women who have changed history:

• Susan B. Anthony: The suffragist who fought tirelessly for women’s right to vote.
• Harriet Tubman: The abolitionist who led hundreds to freedom via the Underground Railroad.
• Rosa Parks: The civil rights icon whose bravery sparked a movement.
• Marie Curie: The scientist who revolutionized medicine with her discoveries in radioactivity.

These names are just the tip of the iceberg. Women have been breaking barriers in politics, science, arts, and activism for centuries—and they’re not stopping anytime soon.

8 Ways to Celebrate Women’s History Month

Need more inspiration? Here are eight simple yet impactful ways to celebrate this month:

1. Join or organize a “Walk for Women” event.
2. Attend special events like tea parties or panel discussions (virtual options work, too!).
3. Donate to organizations that empower women locally and globally.
4. Educate yourself on issues like gender pay gaps and workplace inequality.
5. Encourage friends to join clubs like Soroptimist International—a group dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls.
6. Host empowering gatherings like dinner parties or hikes with fellow women.
7. Shop at and promote women-owned businesses.
8. Share inspiring stories and facts on social media using hashtags like #WomensHistoryMonth.

Placerville Schools: Time for Some Learning

Teachers in Placerville can use this month as an opportunity to educate students about influential women in history:

• Organize essay contests about local or historical female leaders.
• Create classroom presentations that highlight milestones in women’s rights.
• Discuss how far we’ve come—and how far we still need to go—in achieving gender equality.

Let’s Keep It Real

While celebrating achievements is important, it’s equally vital to acknowledge ongoing struggles faced by women today—like pay inequality, underrepresentation in leadership roles, and societal pressures around beauty standards. These conversations might be uncomfortable but are necessary if we want true progress.

Get Involved Locally

Placerville has always been a community that values connection and action—so let’s channel that energy into celebrating Women’s History Month! Whether you’re hosting events, supporting local businesses, or simply sharing stories on social media, every effort counts.

This March isn’t just about honoring history; it’s about creating it too. Let’s make Placerville proud!

Sources: nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org, blog.soroptimist.org, history.com
Header Image Source: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash