March marks the beginning of Women’s History Month as we commemorate and celebrate women’s critical role throughout history. In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis declared March as “Believing in Girls Month,” recognizing the positive impact women have made in all aspects of modern life and the importance young women, leaders of the next generation, be provided with the tools they need to be successful.
Women’s History Month originated in 1908, in New York City, when thousands of women gathered to march for better labor laws, conditions, and the right to vote. The idea quickly moved to Europe, and after an International Conference in Copenhagen, International Women’s Day was founded on March 8, 1911. In 1975, the United Nations officially began sponsoring International Woman’s Day on March 8.
The perseverance of women frustrated with the lack of information about women’s history available to the public or in school led to the creation of Women’s History Week in 1978 in California. In 1987, after 14 states had already done so, Congress declared March Women’s History Month across the United States.
Now, 33 years later, as Pace works toward our vision of a world where all girls and young women have Power, in a Just and Equitable society, we celebrate the work these women have accomplished and continue to achieve daily. Our girls, team members, and community partners continue to build a path towards inspiring the next generation of women leaders in our communities.
Vicki Burke, who over 35 years ago opened Pace’s doors to 10 girls in a church in Jacksonville, believing that all girls, regardless of their circumstances, deserve a chance for a better future. Vicki’s vision grew, and other leaders have continued her work, leading the way to transform the lives of girls through innovative teaching models and data-driven approaches to social and emotional learning to influence public policy impacting girls positively.
Join us this month as we share more about Women’s History and Believing in Girls Month to recognize the contributions that generations of women have made and how that work continues with our girls. Check out this resource for great programs from the Library of Congress and other partner organizations throughout the month.