Women’s History Month began in 1978 as a celebration in Santa Rosa, California. A ‘Women’s History Week’ was organized to celebrate local female leaders who have made a great impact on the community, as well as underrepresented figures across the U.S.
In 1980, the National Women’s History Project (now known as the National Women’s History Alliance) lobbied for national recognition of this event. That same year, President Jimmy Carter, issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring that March would officially be known as Women’s History Month. Every president since has continued this tradition of issuing a proclamation announcing March as Women’s History Month, dedicated to celebrating the contributions of women in society.
A Word From Our Creators
For 2025, the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) announced the theme of “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations” celebrating the women who have dedicated their lives to teaching, mentoring, and guiding the women of the future. For our own inspiration, we reached out to the Zazzle Creator community to hear about the women who have influenced them and how they plan to commemorate the month.
Tiendita Arroyo
Are there specific Women, historical events or movements that have inspired you?: As a proud daughter of Mexican immigrants, my inspiration comes from the rich tapestry of both Mexican and Texan cultures. Women like Frida Kahlo, with her fierce individuality and captivating artistry, have been a profound influence. Her resilience and dedication to expressing her identity through her work resonate deeply with me.
Additionally, the brave women of the Mexican Revolution, such as Adelitas, who fought for their rights and freedom, inspire my designs featuring empowering Hispanic women. These historical figures embody strength and determination, which I strive to celebrate in my work.
Movements like the Chicano Civil Rights Movement also inspire me, as they highlight the fight for equality and cultural pride within the Hispanic community. The empowering cowgirls of the American West, who broke barriers and exemplified courage and independence, are another significant source of inspiration.
Together, these women and movements inspire me to create designs that honor their legacy and empower others.
How do you celebrate Women’s History Month?: By featuring empowering Hispanic women and proud cowgirls in my designs, I honor their contributions, stories, and achievements. Each design is a tribute to the strength, resilience, and cultural pride of women who have shaped history and continue to inspire us. Through my work, I aim to highlight the rich heritage and diverse experiences of women, especially those from Mexican and Texan backgrounds.
Candice Davis
Are there specific Women, historical events, or movements that have inspired you?: My grandmothers and my mom.
How do you celebrate Women’s History Month?: I grew up surrounded by strength disguised as everyday life. My grandmothers didn’t talk about being strong; they just were. They lived through the Great Depression, through times when nothing was guaranteed except the work of their own hands. My maternal grandmother raised eleven children on a farm, and yet, somehow, no one ever went hungry—not just her own kids, but the workers who came to help with the harvest, too. She made their clothes, mended their shoes, churned butter, and even crafted soap from scratch. When something broke, she fixed it. When her birthday came, she baked a cake. And through it all, she wore a dress, every single day. Because grace wasn’t about ease—it was about carrying yourself with dignity, no matter how hard the work.
Lacy Chenault
Are there specific Women, historical events, or movements that have inspired you?: Belly Dancing and taking belly dance classes with Ruby Jazayre in South Bend Indiana back in 2005.
How do you celebrate Women’s History Month?: I love painting and drawing all sorts of women and celebrating their joy in belly dancing and in more pagan/ dianic goddesses.
Michelle Carlson
Are there specific Women, historical events, or movements that have inspired you?: Aunt Carmela and the School in the Square.
In the heart of a small southern Italian town in the 1930s, there was a sunlit square where children and young people gathered every afternoon after school. At the center of that square, on an old stone bench, always sat Aunt Carmela, a woman who was neither a teacher nor a writer, yet she taught everyone without the need for a classroom.
Aunt Carmela had worked in the fields since she was a child. She had taught herself to read using old newspapers her father brought home, and she would write letters for the women in town who didn’t know how. She used to say that words were like windows: if you knew how to read, you could see the world even without traveling.
Every afternoon, in the square, she told stories—stories of women who had changed the world, who had fought for the right to study, to vote, to be free. “Knowledge is like bread,” she would say, “it’s not enough to have it for yourself; you must share it with others.”
Over time, her stories sparked curiosity in many young girls. Some became more determined in their studies, others pursued careers that once seemed out of reach. One became the town’s first female lawyer, another opened a bookstore, and then there were those, like me, who took up writing to ensure that Aunt Carmela’s words would never be forgotten.
Today, that stone bench is still there, but empty. And yet, every time I pass by, I can almost hear her voice saying: “When you teach something to someone, it never dies.”
How do you celebrate Women’s History Month?: I have an entire collection that represents women depicted in different artistic styles. Additionally, in my Myths and Fantasy collection, I feature women from mythology who carry a positive message for women—about their rights, their worth, and standing against violence and patriarchy.
Viviane Stivanello
Are there specific Women, historical events, or movements that have inspired you?: Strong women throughout history and common women like me have something to share to make the world a better place.
How do you celebrate Women’s History Month?: My art talks about women’s strength, power, and the need of self-love and compassion, with messages and illustrations that talk about that.
Andre Carlson
Are there specific Women, historical events, or movements that have inspired you?: I enjoy searching for the roots of feminism in ancient history, where the main women are goddesses and myths. The more recent ones are interesting and more real, however, are under copyright.
How do you celebrate Women’s History Month?: I believe that some mythological figures have a strongly feminist context and an excellent message. Lilith above all, Adam’s ‘disobedient’ wife, is a beautiful symbol of emancipation.
We’re incredibly proud of our Creators and the inspiring women they celebrate through their work. Their creativity reminds us that women can be goddesses, myths, cherished family members, or iconic figures like Frida Kahlo. We hope their artistry sparks a fire in others, encouraging them to unleash their inner goddess. Who knows? The future may hold the next great icon, just waiting to be discovered!
In a world that’s always changing, remember that you have the power to be the inspiration for a future leader. This Women’s History Month, may you find courage by attending events, connecting with women about their experiences, or following in the footsteps of those who have fought for women’s rights for decades – perhaps even joining a march to make your voice heard.
