51ĀŅĀ×

Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn with graphics around her.
Women's History Month
March 1 - March 31, 2026

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.

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

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