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2023: Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories

Throughout 2023, the NWHA will encourage recognition of women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, and more. The timely theme honors women in every community who have devoted their lives and talents to producing art, pursuing truth, and reflecting the human condition decade after decade.

From the earliest storytellers through pioneering journalists, our experiences have been captured by a wide variety of artists and teachers. These include authors, songwriters, scholars, playwrights, performers, and grandmothers throughout time. Women have long been instrumental in passing on our heritage in word and in print to communicate the lessons of those who came before us. Women’s stories, and the larger human story, expand our understanding and strengthen our connections with each other.

As in previous years, the Alliance, which is centered in Santa Rosa, California, will encourage local communities throughout the country to use the year’s theme to guide their own celebrations. The NWHA will popularize national efforts through online celebrations, a special magazine, and thematic products that recognize and honor these brave, accomplished, and influential women who told – and continue to tell – our stories. Today and over the years ahead, their dedication and shared desire to give voice to the voiceless are critical to keeping us informed, entertained, and aware.


Unladylike 2020 – collection of 26 animated documentaries about women who changed America

Colorful Painting of Grace Abbott

Grace Abbott

Social Work Pioneer & Champion of Children, Immigrant, and Women’s Rights.

1878–1939

Colorful painting of Charlotta Bass

Charlotta Spears Bass

Newspaper Editor, Civil Rights Crusader & First African American Women Vice Presidential Candidate

1888–1969

Colorful painting of Gladys Bentley

Gladys Bentley

Gender-Bending Harlem Renaissance Performer and Musician

1907–1960

Colorful painting of Zitkála-Šá/Gertrude Simmons Bonnie

Zitkála-Šá/Gertrude Simmons Bonnin

Composer, Author & Indigenous Rights Activist

1876–1938

Colorful painting of Louise Arner Boyd

Louise Arner Boyd

First Woman to Lead Arctic Expeditions

1887–1972

Colorful painting of Martha Hughes Cannon

Martha Hughes Cannon

First Woman State Senator & Public Health Pioneer

1857–1932

Colorful painting of Sonora Webster Carver

Sonora Webster Carver

Daredevil Equestrian & Advocate For the Blind

1904–2003

Colorful painting of Margaret Chung

Margaret Chung

First American-Born Chinese Female Doctor

1889–1959

Colorful painting of Bessie Coleman

Bessie Coleman

First African American Woman Aviator

1892–1926

Colorful painting of Gertrude Ederle

Gertrude Ederle

First Woman to Swim the English Channel

1905–2003

Colorful painting of Williamina Fleming

Williamina Fleming

Trailblazing Astronomer and Discoverer of Stars

1857–1911

Colorful painting of Meta Warrick Fuller

Meta Warrick Fuller

Trailblazing Sculptor & First African American Woman Recipient of Federal Art Commission

1877–1968

Colorful Painting of Lillian Gilbreth

Lillian Moller Gilbreth

Pioneering Inventor & Industrial Engineer

1878–1972

Colorful painting of Jovita Idar

Jovita Idar

Educator, Journalist, Suffragist & Civil Rights Activist

1885–1946

Colorful painting of Sissieretta Jones

Sissieretta Jones

Opera Star & First African American Woman to Headline Concert at Carnegie Hall

1868–1933

Colorful painting of Queen Lili‘uokalani

Queen Lili‘uokalani

First Sovereign Queen and Last Monarch of Hawai‘i

1838–1917

Colorful painting of Annie Smith Peck

Annie Smith Peck

Record-Breaking Mountaineer, Suffragist & Educator

1850–1935

Colorful painting of Susan La Flesche Picotte

Susan La Flesche Picotte

First American Indian Physician

1865–1915

Colorful painting of Ynés Mexía

Ynés Mexía

Accomplished Latina Botanist

1870–1938

Colorful painting of Jeannette Rankin

Jeannette Rankin

Suffragist, Peace Activist & First Woman Member of Congress

1880–1973

Colorful painting of Rose Schneiderman

Rose Schneiderman

Pioneering Labor Organizer & Suffragist

1882–1972

Colorful painting of Tye Leung Schuize

Tye Leung Schulze

Advocate for Trafficked Women & First Chinese American Woman Federal Government Employee

1887–1972

Colorful painting of Mary Church Terrell

Mary Church Terrell

Educator, Suffragist, Civil Rights Activist & Co-Founder of the NAACP

1863–1954

Colorful painting of Maggie Lena Walker

Maggie Lena Walker

Entrepreneur & First African American Woman Bank President

1864–1934

Colorful painting of Lois Weber

Lois Weber

Actor, Screenwriter & First Woman to Direct a Feature-Length Film

1879–1939

Colorful painting of Anna May Wong

Anna May Wong

Trendsetting Movie Star and Fashion Icon

1905–1961

The events are Women’s History Month events are sponsored by Sociology Professor Kathleen French. Please contact her at kfrench@hawaii.edu for more information.