Each year, it is up to the president to designate March as Women’s History Month.  Director of the Center for Women and Gender Equity & Gender Violence Prevention and Education Services, Kacee Snyder, said  this process has happened since 1995.

On March 6, President Donald Trump issued a statement proclaiming March as Women’s History Month.  In his proclamation, he stated the previous executive orders he has made during his current time in office since Jan. 20.

“No longer will our Government promote radical ideologies that replace women with men in spaces and opportunities designed for women, or devastate families by indoctrinating our sons and daughters to begin a war with their own bodies,” as said in his statement found on the White House’s website.  “Instead, my Administration will safeguard the great American values of family, truth, well-being, and freedom.”

On Jan. 20, his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order recognizing only biological female and male sexes, taking way the ‘X’ gender marker on government forms, changing Title IX rules to follow this two-sexes legislation, which means students have to play for a team that aligns with their biological sex. 

“By fulfilling my promise to protect women and girls from gender extremism we have brought back common sense to society,” as stated in the proclamation.

To finish his statement, he calls on Americans to celebrate women during the month of March.

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2025 as Women’s History Month,” as written in the statement.  “I call on all Americans to celebrate the exceptional women in their lives and around our country.”

To comply with the executive orders, many government agencies like the Defense Intelligence Agency have banned celebrations related to Women’s History Month, Black History Month, LGBTQ Pride Month and other holidays, according to a memo released in late January.

Tech giant Google removed the observance of Women’s History Month along with Black History Month in an effort to stay apolitical, according to a statement issued by the company.

While Women’s History Month is still being celebrated, due to the presidency it only celebrates cisgender women.  Miranda Allysen, who leads efforts in transgender and LBGTQ+ affairs under the BG Persists Trans Protection Community, says this month is meant to honor all women, both transgender and cisgender.

“This month is a celebration of all women, both cisgender and transgender, for our courage, intelligence, creativity, and accomplishments,” Allysen said.  “To be a woman is to carry the weight of struggle and transformation, to persist in the face of adversity, and to carve out a space where we are heard, seen, and respected.”

She highlights that many cis women have “led movements, made groundbreaking discoveries, and changed the world in ways that continue to shape our lives today” but believes trans women are just as important. 

“Trans women, or women of transgender experience, are just as much a part of this legacy as cisgender women,” Allysen said.  “Throughout history, society has often failed to understand the diversity of gender, but that does not erase the reality that trans women are women and deserve to be recognized as such.  Many trans women have broken barriers, reshaped industries, and paved the way for a more inclusive future, often while facing immense discrimination.”

She says there are countless trans women who have left their mark on history, but is celebrating and wants others to learn more about women like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, Lynn Conway, Laverne Cox, Andrea Jenkins and Sarah McBride.

Allysen recommends that people educate themselves on the contributions women made in history, no matter if they were born a woman or not.

“It [Women’s History Month] means educating ourselves and others about the contributions of women in history, amplifying the voices of those still fighting for recognition, and ensuring that all women, regardless of how they came into womanhood, are included in conversations about feminism and equality,” Allysen said.

She says this month is about honoring those who got us here and pushing forward and paving the way for a new generation of women, both cisgender and transgender.

“Women have always overcome adversity, and we will continue to do so. Let this Women’s History Month be a reminder that our strength is in our unity, and that every woman’s story is worth telling, celebrating, and honoring,” Allysen said.

Along with honoring trans women, Snyder recommends focusing on women of color as well.

“I also think it’s a crucial time to amplify the voices of women, and women of color in particular,” Snyder said.  “Share information about their contributions, thank them, and celebrate their work.”

Snyder recommends celebrating Women’s History Month in a way that addresses current problems.

“I think every year we have to take a look at what is going on in the world and in our society and figure out what is relevant, and build our programming, celebrations, and education for Women’s History Month around that,” Synder said.

With new restrictions on who is celebrated during the month by the federal government, Synder adds that the celebration of all women won’t stop.

“I can’t speak to what the future holds in terms of what will impact Women’s History Month, but I do know that women’s contributions won’t stop, they can’t stop, and we will continue to recognize them!”

During the month of March, Snyder also recommends attending BGSU events honoring women.

“There are some outstanding events happening all month, from a research seminar, to Women’s History Month trivia in the pub, and so many other events in between,” Snyder said.

Even if you cannot attend an event, there are many other ways to celebrate Women’s History Month.

“Promoting the voices and perspectives of women is incredibly important – share a story on social media, thank a woman who has been meaningful in your life. Volunteer for an organization that supports women, donate to a cause – whatever it is, find a way to give back,” Snyder said.

Go to www.bgsu.edu/whm for more information on events.