ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton today proclaimed March to be “Women’s History Month” in the State of Minnesota. While women’s history should be celebrated and studied throughout the year, this is a time to observe the role women have played in shaping Minnesota’s history, and the critical role all women play in shaping our state’s future.

 

Today’s proclamation comes as WalletHub released a new national study ranking Minnesota the best state in the nation for Women’s Economic and Social Well-Being. The study also ranked Minnesota 4th in the nation for Women’s Health Care and Safety. You can read the WalletHub report by clicking here.

 

“During Women’s History Month, I urge all Minnesotans to reflect on the significant achievements that have been made by women in our state, and across our country,” said Governor Mark Dayton. “Today’s rankings from WalletHub underscore the great progress we have made. But our work is not done. We must continue to stand up for equality and inclusion at all levels in our state, including equal pay for equal work, protecting reproductive rights and access to health care, charting the course for paid parental leave, and expanding economic opportunity for all women in Minnesota.”

 

“Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the Minnesota women who have led the way to a better future for all of us. Thanks to their courage and hard work, girls and women have achieved great progress in our state,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “We have made important progress, but Women's History Month also serves as a reminder that Minnesota must address inequities in health, education, employment, and opportunity between women of color and white women, if we want Minnesota to be a place where all women can do well.”

 

 

In 1981, Congress passed a law requesting the President to proclaim a National Women’s History Week. For the next five years, Congress continuously passed this law in order to designate this week in March as National Women’s History Week. After great advocacy efforts and a petition from the National Women’s History Project in 1987, the United States Congress declared the month of March as National Women’ s History Month. A special Presidential Proclamation has been issued every year since 1995 to honor the achievements of American women. You can learn more here.