Delaware County Recognizes March as Women’s History Month

Released: March 3, 2023

During its March 1 public meeting, Delaware County Council recognized March as Women’s History Month, a month designated to commemorate and encourage the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.

Women’s History Month began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California in 1978 and the movement spread across the country as other communities initiated their own Women’s History celebrations, which then grew into a month-long celebration and tribute. Each year, a different theme is named for the celebration that is chosen by the National Women's History Alliance. The theme for this year is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories” and is a tribute to women who have worked to share collective histories and positive portrayals of fellow females.

Women have led the efforts to secure suffrage and equal opportunity for women, and have served in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, labor movements, civil rights movements, and other causes to create a more fair and just society.

For the first time in history, a woman is the Vice President of the United States and Ketanji Brown Jackson is the first Black woman to serve on Supreme Court. This week, Joanna McClinton became the first woman to serve as speaker of the Pennsylvania House.

“I and my fellow female colleagues—Dr. Monica Taylor and Christine Reuther—are also proud to be part of history,” said Council Vice Chair Elaine Paul Schaefer. “Three of the five members of Council are women, and for the first time in Delaware County’s history, two females now hold the Chair and Vice- Chair titles. That is absolutely incredible to be a part of!”

In honor of Women’s History Month, Council will join the Delaware County Women’s Commission to recognize several Delaware County women who have profoundly influenced women and girls across the county during a Women’s History Celebration on March 25 at 11:00 a.m. at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Essington.

Nancy Webster, Peg DeGrassa, Leigh Anne McKelvery, and Jacquona Blackwell will be honored for their contributions to Delaware County during this unprecedented time with the Woman of Achievement Award. The community is invited to join the celebration.

More information can be found here: https://www.delcopa.gov/publicrelations/releases/2023/womenscommissionluncheon.html