51ĀŅĀ×

Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn with graphics around her.
Women's History Month

Women's History Month

2025 Women's History Month | Celebrating Women | Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations

Why We Celebrate

Womenā€™s History Month is a time to uplift the women-identifying individuals in our lives. Women have made great strides throughout history, and we recognize those contributions throughout the month of March.

The National Womenā€™s History Alliance has designated the 2025 national theme for Womenā€™s History Month as ā€œMoving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generationsā€. The theme recognizes the contributions of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership and to inspire future generations.

Women's History Month Events

There are no events to show at this time.

Women's History at OHIO and Beyond

  • In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women's History Month.

  • The median salary for women is just 83% of the median salary for men ā€” a figure that has barely budged over the past generation. The wage gap is even greater for most women of color.

  • In 1873, Margaret Boyd became the first woman to graduate from 51ĀŅĀ×. She was also the first woman to preside over the Alumni Association, holding the position from 1894-1895. Both the old and new Boyd Halls were named in her honor.

  • Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies at OHIO

    The Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program began with a certificate program in women's studies established in 1979. A bachelor's degree in Women's and Gender Studies was established around 2006.

    History of WGSS at OHIO
  • First Black Woman to Graduate From OHIO

    Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn was the first Black woman to graduate from 51ĀŅĀ×, with a B.S. ED. in 1916. She majored in English and Literature with a minor in home economics. She taught home economics in Ohio and West Virginia.

    Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn
  • 51ĀŅĀ× Women's Center

    The Women's Center at OHIO opened in 2007. The center is located in Baker University Center room 403 and is open Monday ā€“ Friday from 8:00 a.m. ā€“ 5:00 p.m. The center provides education, advocacy and support for women and all genders.

    Women's Center

Explore Women's History

  • 51ĀŅĀ× Women's History Pinterest Board

    Peruse materials related to women's history at 51ĀŅĀ× from collections of the Mahn Center for Archives & Special Collections and the 51ĀŅĀ× Libraries.

  • Women's History Tour of Athens

    This virtual tour focuses on notable figures in women's history at 51ĀŅĀ× and throughout Athens.

  • Women Promoting Education in Southeast Ohio

    Learn more about notable women who have played an important role in promoting education within the University and beyond.

    Notable OHIO Women

Connect with Us

Follow the Division of Diversity and Inclusion and its offices on social media!