March is Women's History & Developmental Disability Awareness Month

Women’s History Month honors the achievements and contributions of women throughout history while recognizing the ongoing work toward gender equity. It began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California in 1978, organized by the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women. After continued advocacy from historians and women’s organizations, Congress officially designated March as Women’s History Month in 1987. This month also includes International Women's Day on March 8th.

One way progress toward equality is measured is through Equal Pay Day, which marks how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned the previous year—reflecting the wage gap. White women working full time in the United States earn on average about 77 cents for every dollar earned by men, with the gap wider for Black women who earn 65 cents, Latina and Native women 58 cents, and disabled women 56 cents. Today, the month serves both as a celebration of women’s impact across all fields and as a reminder that the pursuit of equity is ongoing.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month is observed each March to highlight the contributions, experiences, and rights of people with developmental disabilities and to promote full inclusion in community life. The observance was established in 1987 to promote greater public awareness and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to live, work, and participate fully in their communities.

In the United States, developmental disabilities affect approximately 1 in 6 children and millions of adults, making it a significant part of our communities. Today, the month serves as both a celebration of leadership and resilience within the disability community and a reminder of the ongoing work needed to ensure accessibility, equity, and belonging for all. Visit the UW webpage on this month for resources and ways to get involved.