March is Women’s History Month—a time dedicated to recognizing and honoring the achievements, struggles, and stories of women throughout history and across the globe. This year’s theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” celebrates the collective power of women in shaping society, fostering learning, and inspiring future generations.

Women’s History Month offers us the opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible contributions women have made in every facet of life: science, politics, art, education, social justice, and beyond. But it isn’t just about looking back. It’s about looking forward to—a reminder of the work still to be done to create a world where every woman, everywhere, has the opportunity to thrive.

From activists like Sojourner Truth and Malala Yousafzai to scientists like Marie Curie and Katherine Johnson, women have always been at the forefront of change. These trailblazers broke barriers, often at great personal cost, paving the way for future generations. This month is a chance to tell their stories and honor their courage.

Women’s History Month also shines a light on everyday heroes—the teachers who nurture young minds, the healthcare workers who care for our communities, the entrepreneurs building businesses from the ground up, and the mothers, sisters, and friends who show strength and compassion in countless unseen ways.

Discover Local Legacies: Colby College’s Special Collections

For those interested in exploring the rich history of women at Colby College, the Special Collections and Archives offer valuable resources. Among them are materials related to:

Louise Helen Coburn
A pioneering botanist, writer, and one of the five founders of Sigma Kappa sorority, Coburn played an instrumental role in advocating for women’s education at Colby. Learn more about her on Wikipedia.

Mary Caffrey Low Carver
As Colby’s first female graduate and a co-founder of Sigma Kappa, her legacy is preserved in the archives, highlighting her advocacy for women’s inclusion in higher education. Learn more on Wikipedia.

Read more about the history of women at Colby in article published in the Colby Magazine.

To explore these and other collections, visit the  Colby College Special Collections and Archives.

Explore Colby College’s Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Research Guide

Colby College offers a comprehensive Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) Research Guide. This resource provides access to books, articles, and archival materials that delve into women’s roles and contributions both within and beyond the Colby community. Supporting interdisciplinary research and learning, the guide reflects Colby’s ongoing commitment to feminist, anti-racist scholarship and teaching.

Visit A Tribute to Trailblazers: Frances Perkins National Monument

In a historic move, President Joe Biden established a national monument in Newcastle, Maine, honoring Frances Perkins—the first woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet. As Secretary of Labor under Franklin D. Roosevelt, Perkins was the driving force behind New Deal policies, Social Security, and labor reforms. This monument ensures her legacy continues to inspire future generations.

Attend Upcoming Events in Maine: March 17–31, 2025

Maine offers a variety of events to honor Women’s History Month in the second half of March. 

Here are some ways you can get involved:

From A Woman’s Perspective An Annual Exhibition Of Visual Art
Date: March 1, 2025 – March 30, 2025 (Sunday, Friday, Saturday)

Time: 11:00 AM – 03:00 PM

Location: Richard Boyd Art Gallery, Portland

Description: An exhibition showcasing works by local female artists, celebrating their contributions to the arts and the community.

 

Maine Women’s Lobby Education Fund Presentation

Date: March 20, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Hall of Flags, Maine State House, Augusta, ME
Description: A session focused on policy initiatives and advocacy efforts aimed at improving the lives of women in Maine. Learn more at the  Maine Women’s Lobby.

Maine Women’s Network: Spring into Spring Happy Hour

Date: March 27, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Apres, Portland, ME
Description: A networking event for professional women from various industries to celebrate achievements and foster connections. Information is available at Maine Women’s Network.

J. Whitman Art: Portraits of Maine Women in Politics

Date: March 31, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Hall of Flags, Maine State House, Augusta, ME
Description: An art exhibition featuring portraits that honor the women who have shaped Maine’s political landscape. For more details, visit the Maine State Hall of Flags site.

Engage Virtually: Online Events Celebrating Women’s History Month

For those unable to attend in-person events, there are virtual opportunities to participate in Women’s History Month celebrations, examples include:

Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon (Smithsonian Institution)

Date: March 25, 2025
Description: A virtual event aimed at enhancing the representation of women’s stories online by editing and creating Wikipedia entries about notable women. Registration and resources are available on the  Smithsonian’s Women’s History Month page.

Wikipedia Edit-a-Thon (National Museum of Women in the Arts)

Date: March 27, 2025

Description: A virtual edit-a-thon hosted by the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA), focusing on improving and expanding Wikipedia entries about women artists and art world figures. Open to all skill levels, with training and resources provided to help participants contribute to the representation of women in the arts online. Registration and details are available on the NMWA event page.

 

Finally there is much to celebrate, but also much to consider. Women continue to face gender-based violence, wage gaps, underrepresentation in leadership, and societal expectations that limit their choices. 

 

Women’s History Month challenges us to listen, learn, and advocate for meaningful change. True equality means dismantling barriers and ensuring equity in every sphere of life. Let’s embrace this moment to educate, inspire, and move forward together.