Women’s History Month begins with new documentary on homeless women in Olympia 

In Thurston County, 42.9% of homeless people are women, according to the 2024 Thurston County Point-in-Time study. This contrasts with approximately 30 to 38 percent nationally, according to various sources. 

The JOLT invites you to meet some of these women; they are featured in documentary photographer J.M. Simpson’s new video titled "Homeless Women in Olympia, Washington," released this week in time for Women’s History Month.  

Women’s History Month traces its beginning to International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8.  The United Nations has noted the day since 1975, but it was observed in smaller ways in this country as far back as 1911 — almost a decade before women received the right to vote with the adoption of the 19th Amendment. 

 According to the National Women’s History Project, the success of local celebrations of Women’s History Week gained President Jimmy Carter’s attention.  In 1980, he issued the first presidential statement on Women’s History Week. 

 “As Dr. Gerda Lerner has noted, ‘Women’s History is Women’s Right.’ – It is an essential and indispensable heritage from which we can draw pride, comfort, courage, and long-range vision,” reads part of Carter’s proclamation. 

 “I ask my fellow Americans to recognize this heritage with appropriate activities during National Women’s History Week, March 2-8, 1980.” 

 In 1987, President Ronald Reagan expanded the recognition of women’s achievements  when it was realized that their accomplishments could not be celebrated and appreciated in a week. In his proclamation of March 16, 1987, he wrote the following: 

 "Women have established themselves in business and the professions, and today women outnumber men as undergraduates at our colleges and universities. Women have fought for moral and social reform and have taken part in and led many great social and political movements of our land. Women have founded many of our philanthropic, cultural, educational, and charitable institutions. Women have served our Nation with valor and distinction during wartime, nursing the wounded, piloting airplanes, performing vital jobs in defense plants. Women have forged a place for themselves in public life, serving on the Supreme Court, in the Congress, and in Cabinet posts; becoming Ambassadors; and holding Federal Executive posts that affect the lives of every citizen. "

The theme for Women’s History Month 2025 is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” Its focus is on women in both the past and present who have influenced and inspired others by dedicating their lives to education, mentorship and leadership.