Houston Airports joined the City of Houston and the country in celebrating Women’s History Month during the month of March. Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in March in the United States since 1987.  

The month is dedicated to reflections on the often-overlooked and often-amazing contributions of women to United States history. From Abigail Adams to Susan B. Anthony to Sojourner Truth to Rosa Parks, the timeline of women’s history milestones stretches back to the founding of the United States. 

The theme for 2022, Providing Healing, Promoting Hope, is both a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history.  

The actual celebration of Women’s History Month grew out of a weeklong celebration of women’s contributions to culture, history and society organized by the school district of Sonoma, California, in 1978. Presentations were given at dozens of schools, hundreds of students participated in a “Real Woman” essay contest and a parade was held in downtown Santa Rosa. 

A few years later, the idea had caught on within communities, school districts and organizations across the country. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. The U.S. Congress followed suit the next year, passing a resolution establishing a national celebration. Six years later, the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the event to the entire month of March. 

The month includes International Women’s Day, IWD, held on March 8, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. 

IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization-specific. 

“As a Certified National Diversity Professional, it is important that we look at the world through clear lenses with equity, transparency, and inclusivity," said Rhonda Arnold, Houston Airports’ Chief Community Relations Officer. 

“This is also part of this year....a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias. Celebrate women's achievements. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.”