Women's History Month

The USMC Celebrates Women's History Month

2022 USMC Women's History Month Message

Women’s History Month is celebrated each year in the month of March. The 2022 National Women’s History Alliance observance theme is: “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.”

In 1980, President Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring 2-8 March as National Women’s History Week. The following year, Congress passed a joint resolution (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 the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress, President Reagan signed Public Law 100-9 designating the month of March 1987 as Women’s History Month. Since then, presidents have issued proclamations, executive orders, and other guiding statements on Women’s History Month to honor the achievement of women in the United States.

Women have served as an integral part in the success of the Marine Corps since 1918. Women first entered the Marine Corps to fill the void left by the men fighting overseas. Since then, women served in increasingly more operational capacities. In 1967, Master Sergeant Barbara Dulinsky became the first woman to serve in a combat zone during the Vietnam Conflict. Prior to the combat exclusion policy repeal in 2013, the Lioness Program attached women to combat units to aid in the search of women and children at various checkpoints in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Women now have the opportunity to serve in every military occupational specialty and unit in the Marine Corps.

As a Service, we must take full advantage of the talents, strengths, skills, and perspectives of every Marine. Our talent management system will support this imperative and our leaders in prioritizing diversity of thought, fostering inclusivity, and implementing policies that ensure equity across the force. During this observance month, commanders are encouraged to recognize and celebrate the invaluable service and selfless contributions of women – military, veteran, and civilian - to our country and Corps. Commanders are further encouraged to conduct online programs and to promote remote participation in observance events within their commands and across their local communities where onsite activities are not feasible during COVID-19 restrictions.

The Marine Corps is committed to living the values we defend and treating everyone with dignity and respect. As such, the Marine Corps takes pride in building strength through diversity and is dedicated to promoting a professional environment free from personal, social, or institutional barriers that prevent Marines from reaching their full potential.Since proclaimed by Public Law 100-9 in 1987, March is observed as “National Women’s History Month.” During this month, we take the opportunity to honor all women and to acknowledge their ongoing contributions to the success and development of our Nation.

Semper Fidelis, Marines.

Read the U.S. Marine Corps MARADMIN 083/22 message here.