During March, we celebrate and highlight the contributions and achievements that women have made to the United States. In Madison, that celebration means everything from meetups to live music shows to an arts and crafts fair.
How Did Women’s History Month Begin?
The celebration grew out of a Women’s History Week that a group of women in Santa Rosa, California started in 1978. The idea caught on with women’s groups nationwide, and in 1980, President Jimmy Carter designated the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress designated the whole of March as Women’s History Month.
The women in Santa Rosa chose the month of March because it coincided with International Women’s Day on March 8. That worldwide celebration is rooted in socialist and labor movements of the late 19th and early 20th century – March 8 was chosen to coincide with a 1917 women’s strike during the Russian Revolution.
What’s Happening in Madison?
Respect: A Celebration of Women in Music (March 7)
Some of Madison’s top female musicians will pay tribute to their inspirations at this Majestic Theatre show, including Florence & The Machine, Billie Holliday, Aretha Franklin, and Amy Winehouse, with The Big Payback serving as the house band.
Wear something purple to Gordon Dining Center and celebrate the contributions that women from Madison have made across the globe.
“The Invisible Mammal” (March 8)
On International Women’s Day, check out this free premiere screening at Lussier Family Heritage Center of a new documentary about women scientists trying to save a species of bats from a deadly disease. After the screening, a group of Madison women conservationists will talk about their work.
Romance Panel Discussion (March 11)
Some of Wisconsin’s top female romance writers will get together to talk about their latest books. The event will be moderated by Forward Theater director Jennifer Uphoff Gray, and Forward Theater actors will perform a sneak preview of their next production, “Lady Disdain.”
Women’s History Month Celebration (March 12)
The Urban League of Greater Madison is hosting this event at the Black Business HUB to celebrate Black women leaders in Madison. There’ll be a panel discussion, live music, a networking event, and more.
Bold Moves, Brave Moments (March 12)
American Family Insurance DreamBank is hosting this discussion and mixer celebrating local women who are achieving their dreams. Stay after the talk for snacks and mocktails, and a free professional headshot.
Women in Wine + Book Swap (March 13)
Table Wine is hosting this special tasting featuring selections from women-run wineries. Five dollars from every ticket sold will be donated to Emily’s List, and bring some gently-used books to trade with others. (The books don’t have to be written by women, but they won’t be mad about it if they are.)
Femmestival (March 14)
Women and femme-identifying entrepreneurs and artisans will be selling their wares at this popular annual food and arts festival at Garver Feed Mill.
Kazoo Karaoke (March 15)
Celebrate the next generation of women rockers at this High Noon Saloon benefit for Girls Rock Camp and the Monroe Street Arts Center, where you can play your favorite tune on the buzzy little plastic instrument. Kazoos will be provided!
“We Are Each Other’s Liberation” (March 18)
At this special Wisconsin Book Festival event at Madison Central Library, authors Jaimee A. Swift and Rachel Kuo will talk about their new anthology of writing that seeks solidarity between Black and Asian feminists.
