ĢƵ

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

Women's History Month

Graphic with text "2024 Women's History Month: Celebrating Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion."

Why We Celebrate

Women’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 Women’s History Alliance has designated the 2024 national theme for Women’s History Month as “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion”. The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions.

"During 2024, we recognize the example of women who are committed to embracing everyone and excluding no one in our common quest for freedom and opportunity. They know that people change with the help of families, teachers and friends, and that young people in particular need to learn the value of hearing from different voices with different points of view as they grow up”.

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 — 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 ĢƵ University. 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 ĢƵ University, with a B.S. ED. in 1916. She majored in English and Literature with a minor in home economics. She taught home economics in ĢƵ and West Virginia.

    Martha Jane Hunley Blackburn
  • ĢƵ University 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 – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The center provides education, advocacy and support for women and all genders.

    Women's Center

Explore Women's History

  • ĢƵ University Women's History Pinterest Board


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

  • Women's History Tour of Athens


    This virtual tour focuses on notable figures in women's history at ĢƵ University and throughout Athens.

  • Women Promoting Education in Southeast ĢƵ


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

Connect with Us

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