Women’s History Month

March 9, 2021

March is Women’s History Month, a time for celebrating the wide range of women’s contributions and achievements in society. In recognition of the many achievements of all the American women who have helped shape our history, the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) offers many publications, highlighting the extraordinary accomplishments and contributions of American women.

Visit the GPO online bookstore Women’s History collection featuring notable women such as Kamala Harris, the first female Vice President in American history; Harriet Tubman, escaped slave and brave conductor of the Underground Railroad who later fought for women’s rights; First Lady, U.S. senator and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton; the first woman elected to Congress and much more.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Click here to browse our Women’s History collection

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800. Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Trudy Hawkins is a writer and senior marketing specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Division supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (http://bookstore.gpo.gov).

2 Comments | Libraries, Minorities, Women | Tagged: International Women's Day, Women's History, Women's History Month, womens achievements | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Federal Publications for Women’s History Month

March 3, 2020

Women’s History Month, celebrated in March, is a time to recognize the strides women have made in fighting for equality. According to womenshistorymonth.gov, this month is a time to “join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.” So, GPO welcomes you to join in on celebrating this important month and learn more about women’s history with publications from the GPO Bookstore.

Do you know the name of the very first woman representative in the United States? If you guessed Jeannette Rankin of Montana, you’re a women’s history whiz! How about the first woman representative in your state? Learn all the fun facts about the history of women in politics in Women In Congress, 1917–2017. This popular publication includes a set of essays that reflects the considerable increase in the number of women in Congress during the last decade.

We’ve all heard that women earn 80 cents for every dollar earned by a man. Want to know even more facts and figures on women in the workplace? Women in the Labor Force: A Databook from the Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics presents historical and current labor force and earnings data for women and men from the Current Population Survey.

The Women’s Army Corps (WAC) was the women’s branch of the United States Army that was created in 1942 and disbanded in 1978. When it was first created, women had never before served in the military, aside from being nurses. At first, women were not granted the same benefits as male soldiers. Want to learn more about this fascinating time in history? The Women’s Army Corps from the Center of Military History gives a history of WAC from its beginning in World War II until it was discontinued by Congress. In the volume, readers will learn about the decision by Congress in 1978 to end the separation of men and women in the Army and give women roles in other branches of the Army. Bettie J. Mordon, the author of the volume, served as a WAC throughout its entire existence and writes of the changes in WAC throughout the years, including the transformation in the status of Army women and how the Women’s rights movement of the ‘70s helped revolutionize the U.S. military. Also in the volume are images of various uniforms enlisted women, drill sergeants, and officers have worn throughout the years.

Today, women make up about 19% of the total naval force. But this hasn’t always been the case. The Navy’s First Enlisted Women: Patriotic Pioneers gives a historical account of the women who have broken down barriers and changed the Navy for the better. In this publication, you will read about Loretta Perfectus Walsh, the first woman to enlist in the U.S. Navy who volunteered to continue her family’s legacy of military service. Also in the publication are historical photographs of the U.S. Enrollment Office, U.S. Naval Reserve Force enlistees, and other interesting facts.

Women in the Federal Government: Ambitions and Achievements assesses the treatment and advancement of women in the Federal Government. Written by the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), the report notes that the situation for women in the Government has improved since its last report. For example, women hold an increased proportion of positions in the Senior Executive Service, and fewer women report that they are subjected to discrimination or stereotypes. However, according to the report, there’s still work to be done. It notes that Federal agencies may need to reexamine their approaches to recruitment, work assignment, and leadership development in order to continue to bring women and their work to the forefront of the Federal Government. MSPB includes recommendations that Federal agencies, managers, and employees can take to promote workplace fairness and the full utilization of all employees.

We hope these GPO publications help you learn a little bit about the women pioneers who changed our Nation for the better. Happy Women’s History Month!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Visit our Retail Store: To buy or order a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up(s).

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Cat Goergen is the PR Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.

Leave a Comment » | Libraries, Minorities, Women | Tagged: Congresswomen, Patriotic Pioneers, The Women’s Army Corps, Women, women in congress, Women in the Federal Government, Women in the Government, Women's History, Women's History Month | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

A Nation Abounds with Women’s History & Achievements

March 14, 2019

The 2019 Women’s History Month theme is “Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & Nonviolence.” The theme honors “women who have led efforts to end war, violence, and injustice and pioneered the use of nonviolence to change society.” (citation: National Women’s History Museum/Women’s History Month)

Women have made significant contributions to history, culture, and society. Too often in the past their energy, dedication, and intellect in championing human rights, creating new innovations, and in public service, have gone unheralded. In recent years, women in record numbers are now serving in the U.S. Congress.

In 2019, 127 (106D, 21R) women hold seats in the United States Congress, comprising 23.7% of the 535 members.
25 women (25%) serve in the U.S. Senate.
102 women (23.4%) serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Four women (2D, 2R) also represent American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands in the United States House of Representatives. (citation: Center for American Women and Politics, Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers University)

In this historical tribute, Women in Congress, 1917-2017, also available for free digital download, you can read about female Congressional members who have been elected through the 114^th Congress and their contributions to the Nation.

You can also read about how women have played a key role in our military and Government through these resources:

The Women’s Army Corps, 1945-1978

A Contemporary History of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps

Women on the Frontlines of Peace and Security

Mixed Gender Basic Training: The U.S. Army Experience, 1973-2004

Women in the Federal Government: Ambitions and Achievements

The Nation can be proud of its champions of women’s rights and their commitment to advancing participation within communities and societies to build peace and equality.

We invite you to check out our full resources collection about women.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

You can click on the links above in this blog article or through any of these methods:

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication and Information Sales program office.

2 Comments | ebooks, Minorities, Women | Tagged: women in congress, Women's History, Women's History Month, womens achievements | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Women = Economic Power

March 18, 2016

During Women’s History Month this and every March, America recognizes the myriad contributions of women. Women control household purchasing power AND board rooms. They receive the majority of bachelor’s degrees. They comprise half the workforce. When sole breadwinners of a family, they are the workforce. The economic ascension of women is a great American success story; they are well-positioned in the economy today. Yet, women are far from fully enabled and recognized in the workplace.

In 2010, the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) of the U.S. Congress went to task on appraising women’s role in the economy. In 2016, its conclusions about women as a force in economic revitalization are just as practicable and relevant. GPO makes this far-sighted publication available through its online bookstore.

Invest in Women, Invest in America: A Comprehensive Review of Women in the U.S. Economy

“One of our greatest assets in our effort to reinvigorate the country’s economy is the know-how and talent of American women…When we invest in women, we invest in the future of our economy.” —Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), then Chair of the JEC

This JEC-compiled compendium consists of 111th Congress reports and hearings on topics such as equal pay, access to benefits, and retirement security. Produced in the aftermath of the Great Recession, its intended to brief policymakers on the essential contributions of women to our economy and give credence to their broader role in economic recovery.

Of all the facts and forecasts in this comprehensive round-up, “one important issue confronting women is gender discrimination.” Congress took legislative action on gender pay equity when it passed the Lilly Ledbetter Act of 2009. Beyond that well-received stride, the report calls attention to policy impediments yet to be addressed. Underrepresentation in corporate leadership, lack of paid parental leave, and inflexible work arrangements are some of the remaining frontiers in the gender equity struggle.

Persistent imbalance not only hamstrings women, it hamstrings the economy. When given equal participation as producers and consumers and full inclusion in the labor market, women can improve their own economic status—and benefit the economy as a whole. Bottom line: America’s 162 million women and girls are an asset worth investing in.

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS PUBLICATION?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

About the author: Our guest blogger is Chelsea Milko, Public Relations Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations Office.

Leave a Comment » | Congress, U.S. Economy, Women | Tagged: books for women, history of women, National Women's History Month, woman history month, Women, women history month, Women's History, Women's History Month | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Celebrating National Women’s History Month

March 19, 2015

March is National Women’s History Month, and many Federal agencies are paying tribute to the many generations of women who have made invaluable contributions to our society. According to the Law Library of Congress’ guide to the legislative history of Women’s History Month, “Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Public Law 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as ‘Women’s History Week.’ Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as ‘Women’s History Week.’ In 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Public Law 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as ‘Women’s History Month.’ Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as ‘Women’s History Month.”

National Woman’s Day (NWD) has been observed since the early 1900s.

The Library of Congress and other agencies offer many rich collections related to Women’s History Month. You can view a list here.

Also a great resource on the topic of women’s history is the National Women’s History project. According to their site, this organization “recognizes and celebrates the diverse and historic accomplishments of women by providing informational services and educational and promotional materials.” The theme this year from the National Women’s History Project is Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives. You can read about their 2015 honorees here.

A new publication from the National Defense University ties in well with this theme. Titled “Women on the Frontlines of Peace and Security,” this book includes a foreword by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Leon Panetta. The basic premise is clear: if we hope to prevent conflict and promote peace, we must empower women as full partners. Half of the world’s population are women and yet the decisions affecting women—economics, security, government structure, education, employment, war, and peace are often systematically being made without women’s representation.

In this publication, experts from human rights activists, developmental professionals, and military leaders, share the importance of bringing together the diverse voices of these under-represented women. And while the focus is on the frontlines of military and civil conflict, the stories and case studies indeed weave the stories of women’s lives in readable and well-documented summaries. Included in the volume are numerous photographs of women participating in the governing, protecting, and policing in their homelands or as part of peacekeeping forces. The photographs are an important part of the message of this book, showing women in positions of authority and providing security and protection.

The discussions are broken into five categories:

Integrating Women into US Defense and Foreign Policy
Women and Conflict Prevention
Women s Equal Participants in Conflict Resolution
Protections for Women During and After Conflict
Women’s Equal Access to the Means for Recovery

The goal of the book is to continue the dialogue on the importance of including women in security and development of international peace. By continuing to govern and make decisions with half the population excluded or ignored, security risks are greatly increased and sense of community and opportunities for peace are even more decreased. It’s a great read with a great collection of historic photographs.

The U.S. Government Bookstore offers an entire collection of publications focused on women’s issues and women’s history. Check it out here.

There are also resources available on the topic from GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications (CGP). Here are just a few examples.

In December 2011, President Obama signed an executive order directing the S. National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security be implemented. According to the plan, “The goal is as simple as it is profound: to empower half the world’s population as equal partners in preventing conflict and building peace in countries threatened and affected by war, violence and insecurity. Achieving this goal is critical to our national and global security.”
#workingfamilies National Toolkit, focusing on how we can help our labor market work better in the 21st century by strengthening our nation’s workplaces to better support working families.
Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Women’s History Museum Act of 2013: report together with additional views (to accompany H.R. 863) (including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office).
Empowerment in the workplace: hearing before the Joint Economic Committee, Congress of the United States, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, second session, June 18, 2014.
Hearing on women’s education: promoting development, countering radicalism ; and markup of H.R. 3583, Malala Yousafzai Scholarship Act : convened before the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, second session, April 3, 2014.

For an interesting insight into the history of women in the U.S. Government Publishing Office’s workforce, check out these two new webcasts, “Women in the GPO Workforce – GPO’s Women’s History Month (2015),” presented by GPO’s Agency Historian, George Barnum.

For access to great publications from the U.S. Government:

Order by Phone: You may also order print editions by calling our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.
Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.
Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

About the authors: Robin Haun-Mohamed is the Chief of Outreach and Support in GPO’s Library Services & Content Management division. Kelly Seifert is the Lead Planning Specialist in GPO’s Library Services & Content Management division.

Leave a Comment » | Human Rights, Library of Congress (LOC), National Defense University, Women | Tagged: history of women, National Women's History Month, National Women’s History Project, woman history month, Women, Women's History, Women's History Month | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

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