By Makayla Rosales, Coordinator, Opportunity and Impact
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
March is a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements, resilience, leadership and lasting impact of women who have shaped our nation’s history and continue to advance our society. What began in 1978 in Santa Rosa, California, as a local ‘Women’s History Week’ was officially designated as Women’s History Month by Congress in 1987. Since 1995, every U.S. president has issued an annual proclamation honoring the month, while the National Women’s History Alliance selects a unifying theme to guide reflection and action with a different focus every year.
This year’s theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” challenges us to act with purpose and intention. It celebrates the women who are reimagining and rebuilding systems to create lasting sustainability, not just in the environmental sense — but across financial stability, resilient communities and inclusive leadership pipelines. Women are shaping the frameworks that drive long-term, systemic change, and our role is not only to honor their achievements but also to actively support systems that empower both people and the planet. By amplifying women’s leadership, we invest in a future that is equitable, sustainable, and inspiring for all.
Engage in the workplace
One effective way to engage staff during Women’s History Month is to host table talks or panel discussions featuring women leaders at an upcoming department or all-staff meeting. These sessions can highlight leaders from both within and outside the organization, highlighting stories of resilience, innovation and impact. The session can incorporate guided questions aligned with the month’s theme, prompting employees to share individual experiences, reflect on workplace challenges andexamine how mentorship, sponsorship and sustainable leadership show up in their day-to-day work. Facilitators might ask how women’s leadership has shaped their professional journeys, what systemic barriers still exist and how teams can collectively drive more sustainable practices. By creating space for intentional dialogue and reflection, organizations foster deeper understanding and the opportunity to reinforce a culture of inclusion that extends beyond a single month of recognition.
Additionally, recognizing women’s achievements through internal spotlights, awards or social media features not only amplifies their voices but also sets a powerful example for the entire organization. Highlighting individual accomplishments can take many forms, from employee spotlights in newsletters or posting on the company’s social media to recognition at company meetings or through dedicated awards programs. Sharing these stories publicly on social media or internal communication channels celebrates contributions and inspires others to pursue their own professional growth. By consistently recognizing women’s impact and using their platforms to sponsor and celebrate the achievements of those around them, organizations reinforce a lasting culture of inclusion, representation and empowerment that extends well beyond Women’s History Month.
Attend an event
If you are interested in bringing your team, friends or family to festivities celebrating Women’s History Month, here are some local events.
Oak Cliff Vendor Marketplace 12-2 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2026
4107 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. Suite 235
Get ready for a fun-filled event of vendors, creativity and community for Women’s History Month. This free event will feature a keepsake digital photobooth for attendees, games, a themed event, swag bags, women’s history trivia and more!
Dallas Farmer’s Market-International Women’s Day 9-5 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2026
920 S. Harwood St., Dallas, TX, 75201
International Women’s Day is Sunday, March 8, and we are celebrating the incredible women working in agriculture at the Dallas Farmers Market all weekend long! Shop local and support our women farmers and ranchers.
Walking in Her Shoes: Give to Gain International Women’s Day Panel 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2026. RSVP here to attend in person, or register here to attend virtually.
Eastfield Campus: Building B, Multipurpose Room (B 1041/1042), 3737 Motley Dr., Mesquite, TX, 75150
Join Dallas College as we interview esteemed panelists about the hurdles and successes they have experienced as accomplished, elite women leaders in the Dallas community. Free lunch will be provided for those who attend in person.
She Serves, She Leads 9-5 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday, March 25 & 26, 2026
Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center: 1403 Washington St., Dallas, TX, 75210
This year marks the fifth Annual Dallas Police Department Women’s Symposium at the Briscoe Carpenter, themed “She Serves, She Leads,” a two-day event dedicated to uplifting, motivating and uniting women in public safety.
Other March holidays to celebrate
In addition to Women’s History Month, some notable March holidays are Holi, on Tuesday, March 3 this year, which is also known as the festival of colors. In Hindu tradition, Holi carries deep spiritual significance, symbolizing love, renewal, hope and the triumph of good over evil. The celebration marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring, serving as a joyful reminder to embrace new beginnings, let go of the past and come together in shared community and celebration.
Purim is also recognized on Tuesday, March 3, which is a Jewish festival celebrated in late winter or early spring that commemorates the story of courage and resilience told in the Book of Esther. The holiday is observed through community gatherings, charitable giving, sharing food and festive celebrations. Purim highlights themes of advocacy, unity and standing up for others.
Additionally, International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8, is a global observance celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It is both a recognition of progress and a call to action to advance gender equity and create more inclusive, equitable systems worldwide.
Eid al-Fitr is an important Islamic holiday on Friday, March 20, this year, marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, prayer and reflection. The celebration begins with a special communal prayer and is observed through gatherings with family and friends, charitable giving and shared meals. Companies can support employees observing Ramadan by offering flexible work hours and being mindful of scheduling around fasting, such as avoiding mandatory lunch meetings or food-centered events. Providing space for prayer and encouraging open dialogue about needs helps create a respectful and inclusive workplace culture.