IMPORTANCE & RELEVANCE
In this pivotal moment of history, we are called to confront a range of overlapping global challenges: climate change, economic insecurity, healthcare disparities, and threats to democratic participation. These issues are deeply intertwined – and women, particularly from marginalized communities, often experience their impacts most acutely.
Yet women have also led the charge toward lasting solutions.
“Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future” expands our understanding of sustainability beyond just environmental concerns. It encompasses financial sustainability, community resilience, leadership succession, and intergenerational equity. Whether developing green technologies, advancing economic justice, strengthening education systems, or building civic power – women are designing blueprints for sustainable transformation. This theme affirms that shaping a sustainable future means fostering systems that support both people and the planet.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
- Honor: Celebrate the diverse contributions of women who are leading sustainability efforts across environmental, economic, educational, and social justice movements.
- Educate: Raise awareness about the important historical and contemporary roles of women in shaping sustainable change.
- Inspire: Empower individuals and institutions on how to take action toward sustainability, equity, and justice in their own spheres of influence.
- Connect: Build bridges across generations, geographies, and disciplines to foster collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning.
- Envision: Encourage a long-term vision for our future where women’s leadership is central to thriving communities and a healthy planet.
In 2026, the theme calls to attention the “overlapping disparities” of climate change, economic inequality, inaccessible health care and risk to democratic participation, with women of color and other marginalized groups disproportionately affected around the world. The theme spotlights how women care for their environment and communities, according to NWHA’s website, and what is left to be done to improve conditions for the next generation. The aim is to activate during the month toward a future that is healthier for people and the planet. (Taken from National Women’s History Alliance, and an article entitled, International Women’s History Month is here. What’s this year’s theme by Nicole Fallert, USA Today, March1, 2026).
Deaf Women’s History Month
Deaf Women’s Herstory Month is celebrated every March. It was officially declared in 2014 by Deaf Women United (DWU) to specifically recognize the contributions and achievements of Deaf women throughout history and in modern society. This observance coincides with National Women’s History Month (also in March) and often overlaps with National Deaf History Month, which the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) traditionally observed from March 13 to April 15, though it officially moved to the full month of April in 2022.
Notable Figures in Deaf Women’s History
Many pioneering Deaf women are honored during this month for breaking barriers in science, art, law, and advocacy:
- Helen Keller: The first Deaf-blind person to earn a bachelor’s degree; a world-renowned author and disability rights activist.
- Marlee Matlin: An Academy Award-winning actress and prominent advocate for the Deaf community.
- Roberta “Bobbi” Cordano: The first Deaf woman to serve as the president of Gallaudet University.
- Claudia Gordon: The first Deaf Black female attorney in the United States and a former official in the Obama administration.
- Kitty O’Neil: A legendary stuntwoman and racer who once held the title of “the world’s fastest woman”.
- Shirley Allen: The first Black Deaf woman to earn a doctoral degree.
- Regina Hughes: A renowned scientific illustrator whose work is part of the permanent collection at the Smithsonian Institution.
- Juliette Gordon Low: The founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA, who experienced significant hearing loss.
Let’s give a big shoutout to all the amazing women out there. They are breaking down barriers, following their dreams, and showing us what it means to be strong and resilient. (Taken from the National Deaf Center and the National Association of the Deaf)
See the video links below:
https://youtube.com/shorts/NUFYpuxHxRE?si=UazFCLz7J-KmsjYV International Academy for Multicultural Cooperation, 2:08 minutes, 2026.
https://youtu.be/c2trIzTcFis?si=QdvsuKrBekENK1Bn Gallaudet University, 4:08 minutes, 2026.