March is Women's History Month! The U.S. Congress officially declared March as Women’s History Month in 1987 to honor of the many contributions of women in our history. The recognition has expanded beyond the early suffragettes, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and others who advocated across the nation for a women's right to vote. Thanks to the suffragettes, the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was passed in 1920 and women were finally granted the right to vote.
In 1965, the State of California created the Commission on the Status of Women. Twenty plus years later in 1982, the County established the San Mateo County Commission on the Status of Women. It is an official appointed body whose mission is to provide leadership in developing policies, programs and legislation to address the needs of women.
Under the leadership of two former county supervisors, Anna Eshoo and Jackie Speier, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors established a permanent Women's Hall of Fame in 1984 to recognize outstanding women for their achievements and contributions to the overall well-being of our County. The San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame was the first of its kind in the State of California. Since its inception, the Hall of Fame has honored over 250 women for their contributions to our community.
In honor of Women's History Month, I'd like to recognize our two representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo and Congresswoman Jackie Speier. I invite you to learn more about these local heroines as well as the other women who have been inducted to the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame.