Barack Obama proclaimed March 2011 as Women’s History Month while calling on Americans to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8. He issued the proclamation on February 28, 2011, during his presidency.
Obama’s proclamation described 2011 as the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day’s first major international observance. It honored women’s economic, political, and social achievements while emphasizing that equality remained unfinished work. The statement also highlighted women’s participation in education, government, the workforce, and science and technology.
The proclamation connected domestic recognition with foreign policy. Obama’s administration presented women’s rights and empowerment as important to diplomacy, development, conflict prevention, and national security. It also mentioned efforts involving workplace flexibility, health care, child care, equal pay, and violence prevention.
The date is easy to confuse with the observance itself. The proclamation was signed on February 28, while International Women’s Day occurred on March 8. Michelle Obama and White House officials marked that day with a reception and events commemorating its centenary.