| Women's History Month 2003 |
| Presidential Press Releases |
Part of a series of Presidential Press Releases on the topic of women's history. Brought to you as a service by your About Guide to Women's History.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press
Secretary
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For Immediate Release February 28, 2003
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH, 2003
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
As our Founding Fathers worked to
develop the framework of our Nation, Abigail Adams
wrote to her husband: "I long to hear that you
have declared an independency -- and by the way in
the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be
necessary for you to make I desire you would
Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and
favorable to them than your ancestors." An early
advocate of women's rights, a farm and financial
manager, and the mother of an American President,
John Quincy Adams, Abigail Adams is one of many
American women who helped establish the strength
and vitality of our Nation. During Women's History
Month, we recognize the generations of American
women whose important contributions continue to
shape our Nation and enrich our society.
Through vision, hard work, and determination,
countless American women have broadened
opportunities for themselves and for others at
home, in the community, and in the workplace. In
1809, Mary Kies became the first woman to receive
a U.S. patent. By developing a method of weaving
straw with silk, she helped advance American
industry and set an inspiring example for other
American women. Her pioneering efforts helped
define our country's entrepreneurial spirit and
paved the way for future generations of women to
take pride in their talents and creativity.
Since Mary Kies' groundbreaking achievement, many
American women have become successful
entrepreneurs and business professionals. In 1905,
Madam C.J. Walker started her own business by
creating and selling hair care products for
African-American women. After a decade, her
company was highly successful and employed more
than 3,000 people, and at the time, was the
largest African-American owned business in the
United States. Today, Madam Walker is remembered
for her business accomplishments, efforts to
create new opportunities for women, and for her
contributions to her community.
Driven by the legacy of these extraordinary
figures, American women from all backgrounds
continue to break barriers and fulfill their
personal and professional potential. At the dawn
of the 21st century, women have more choices than
ever before. Between 1992 and 2002, the number of
female college graduates in the United States has
increased from 15.9 million to 23.6 million. Women
account for 47 percent of all employed persons and
are entering the American workforce in record
numbers. In the last 10 years, their ranks have
increased by 8.7 million. Furthermore, women-owned
small businesses are growing twice as fast as all
other U.S. firms, employing 7 million Americans
and contributing to the vitality of our economy.
To build on these successes, my Administration
will continue our work to promote policies that
advance the aspirations, hopes, and dreams of
every American.
This month, as we celebrate remarkable women in
our Nation's past, I encourage all citizens to
recognize the countless American women whose
efforts continue to enhance the economic, social,
and cultural life of our great Nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of
the United States of America, by virtue of the
authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim
March 2003 as Women's History Month. I call upon
all the people of the United States to observe
this month with appropriate ceremonies and
activities and to remember throughout the year the
many contributions of American women.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand
this twenty-eighth day of February, in the year of
our Lord two thousand three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the
two hundred and twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
