Bill Heffernan

March is Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the vital role women have played in American history and learn more about their contributions.

In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week. Subsequent Presidents continued to proclaim a National Women’s History Week in March until 1987 when Congress designated March as “Women’s History Month.”

This year’s theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion,” which recognizes women throughout the country who believe a positive future can only be achieved by eliminating bias and discrimination from our society.

Connecticut has a long history of female pioneers who brought progress to our state as well as the rest of the country. Women in our state have consistently risen to positions of leadership and we have all benefitted from their outstanding abilities and commitment to public service. Here are just a few prominent examples:

• Prudence Crandall, Connecticut's State Heroine, opened the first boarding school for women of color in 1831 in Canterbury.
• Helen Keller was one of Connecticut’s most influential women for her fierce support and advocacy of women’s suffrage, legalization of birth control, and benefits for people with disabilities.
• Ella T. Grasso was the first woman in the U.S. to be elected governor in her own right.
• Antonia “Ann” Uccello was the first woman in Connecticut to be elected mayor of a municipality, and she was the only woman to head a major U.S. city during the Civil Rights era.
• Today, U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro continues to break barriers.

You can read more about celebrating Women’s History in Connecticut here.

In our quest to honor and protect women in our state, here's a small example of some of the work we have done and continue to champion in the legislature.

Our advocacy is far from complete. We have several priorities in the 2024 legislative session that directly impact women on a daily basis.

Together, let's celebrate Women's History and the remarkable women in our own lives each and every day!