March is Women's History Month - Celebrations in Oregon

March is Women's History Month, and everyone should celebrate in one way or another. Acknowledge the accomplishments and history of women, treat the women and girls in your life to a surprise, or go to an event.

At cities and counties, universities and schools, libraries and media outlets, private companies and organizations - events will be happening all month. Here are a few in Oregon you might find interesting.

Lincoln City's Month long celebration

If you are going to the Oregon Coast in March, or you live in one of the coastal towns around Lincoln City, add a Women's History Month event to your day. Enjoy a poetry exploration, a pasta workshop, a French cooking demo, or hear about women pioneers from history. Click here for more info.

You can also read about women's history in Oregon on the website of the Oregon Historical Society, here.

Women's History Month grew out from International Women's Day, observed internationally every March 8th. International Women's Day, interestingly enough, began in America as part of progressive social movements in the early 20th century, but fell out of favor here once it became associated with the Soviet Union.

It's too bad the Bolsheviks gave a bad name to the socialism movement. Their use of the word to describe the despotic government of Stalin set back real progress worldwide.Can we imagine how more advanced we might be as a social society if real Democratic Socialism would have been embraced? Read a short history of IWD here.

International Women's Day is once again rising in prominence, as people want to celebrate the legacy of women in their own lives and communities. Incorporate events centered around International Women's Day into your observances of Women's History Month.

Rouge Valley International Women's Day in Ashland

The celebration on the Plaza in downtown Ashland will feature music, entertainers, puppets and quotes by famous women read by students and women in our community. Ashland mayor, John Stromberg, will read the IWD proclamation at 11am. In a nice twist, Louie's Restaurant is offering a 23% discount off lunch that day to all women (reflecting the disparity women earn per dollar). Click here for more info.

Essay Contest for middle school students in Salem

The Salem branch of the American Association of University Women is asking students to submit essays based on the theme "Women's Right to Vote" by March 4. First place is $100, second place is $75 and third place is $50, and all three winners will read their essay March 19 at the Salem YWCA. Click here for more info.

Portland International Women's Day

One of the observances in the Portland area will be at In Other Words Feminist Community Center on N.E. Killingsworth. It will be the 36th annual event there. Taking place on Wednesday, March 9th, the celebration will be a fundraiser for the Center. Speakers include women writers and activists. For more information, click here.

That's just a sampling of events taking place around Oregon. Look for your own, attend one mentioned, or honor women in your own way.