Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day

March 8, 2023

March is Women’s History Month, a dedicated month to reflect on the contributions of women to United States history, including many who are often overlooked. President Jimmy Carter first issued a presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week in 1980. Six years later, the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the event to the month of March.


March 8th is International Women’s Day, a day to honor the contributions and achievements of women around the world. International Women’s Day has occurred for well over a century, with the first International Women’s Day gathering taking place in 1911, drawing more than 1 million people to rallies worldwide. While this day is about recognizing and serving women to help encourage and promote social, economic, cultural, and political equity for all, it is also about women who serve.


Women have always been at the forefront of ‘people-facing’ services. From social services to healing, caretaking to teaching, women have selflessly put their communities and families first. Here at Catholic Charities, we see this in our staff which is 70% women. This International Women’s Day, we recognize and thank all the women who work to make a different tomorrow at Catholic Charities and all women whose collective voice has the power to change the world.


In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, below are some ways for you to celebrate and uplift the experiences of women:

  • Watch- a documentary about women’s rights!
  • He Named Me Malala
  • I Am Greta
  • She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry
  • Read – books about gender equality!
  • “We Should All Be Feminists” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
  • “Rad Women Worldwide: Artists and Athletes, Pirates and Punks, and Other Revolutionaries Who Shaped History” by Kate Schatz
  • “The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World” by Melinda Gates
  • Thank – the women in your life or community who have a positive impact!
  • Women who work as health care professionals
  • Your coworkers
  • Your family members and friends
  • Shop – from women-owned, local businesses!
  • Christine’s Cheesecakes/ Christine's Sweet Confections
  • Ellora’s Beauty Supply
  • No Limit Painting
  • And many, many more!
  • Learn – about women-led Minnesota stories!
  • https://www.tpt.org/post/minnesota-women/


Sources:

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/womens-history-month

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-64723201

https://www.un.org/en/observances/womens-day

Our Recent News

How Catholic Charities Helped Kenneth

By Brittany Hoversten • June 17, 2025
When life feels overwhelming, finding the right support can make all the difference. That is exactly what happened for Kenneth, a 30-year-old father who found himself facing several impossible choices. With overdue bills, rent payments, and the pressure of providing for his children, Kenneth was struggling to keep his family afloat. On top of that, he needed his children’s birth certificates to register them for Catholic Charities' Toys for Tots program, so they could have presents for Christmas.  Though Kenneth had never used the Food Shelf before, he was introduced to our services by a Financial Assistance Program Coordinator, who showed him how utilizing the Food Shelf could ease some of the financial strain. The ability to save money on groceries would allow him to prioritize other needs, like utilities and rent. Our Financial Assistance program assisted Kenneth with obtaining his children's birth certificates and provided him with a cart full of groceries for his family. Additionally, we provided Kenneth with a list of community resources to help him continue moving forward. This assistance gave Kenneth and his family a renewed sense of hope. With a little help from our team, Kenneth felt a weight lift as he began to “dig out” of his financial struggles. The ability to provide his children with meals, secure the birth certificates needed for their Christmas gifts, and access other helpful resources helped him regain some stability during a tough time. Kenneth’s story is a powerful reminder that our work extends far beyond providing food. It is about offering hope, relief, and the tools needed to help individuals and families navigate challenges. Whether it is a grocery cart full of food, helping with essential paperwork, or connecting people to the broader network of resources, every bit of support contributes to making our neighbors’ lives better. We are honored to provide this kind of support to families like Kenneth’s. It is the generosity of our community that allows us to continue serving those who need it most. Whether through food donations, financial gifts, or volunteer time, the contributions we receive leave a lasting impact on our neighbors' lives.

Alexander & Sherise

April 23, 2025
A Journey of Hope and Resilience

Bryce's Pumpkins

By Brittany Hoversten • April 14, 2025
At Catholic Charities Emergency Services, we see countless acts of kindness every day, but a recent donation from a remarkable young man left a special mark on our hearts. On a chilly Friday afternoon, Bryce, a 17-year-old student at Albany High School, donated an impressive 860 pounds of squash. This generous gift highlights the power of community support, proving that even in challenging times, there is always hope. Bryce has grown his own pumpkins, squash, and gourds under the name Bryce Pumpkin’s, which has become known for fresh, locally grown produce. His efforts extend beyond growing, as he sells his harvest at farmers markets and even had a booth at the Made in Minnesota Expo in November, supporting local businesses and sustainable farming. What makes his story even more inspiring is how Bryce uses his success to give back. His donation will directly help families in need through our food shelf, which serves St. Cloud and surrounding areas. Bryce’s squash donation will be a vital part of our monthly food distribution, helping to provide nutritious meals to hundreds of families in our community. His gesture demonstrates not only a heart full of compassion but also the interconnectedness of local farmers, businesses, and families. When young people like Bryce step up, it’s a reminder that the future is well cared for. Bryce’s story proves that even small acts of kindness can grow into something truly transformative. Through donations like Bryce’s, we are able to provide food to those who need it most, including seniors on fixed incomes and single parents working multiple jobs. The connection between local farmers and organizations like Catholic Charities sustains our community and fosters hope for those struggling. Looking ahead to the upcoming growing season, we’re excited to see what other generous community members, like Bryce, will share. His efforts remind us that every small contribution adds up to something much bigger, and it’s not just about the food—we’re also strengthening our community and inspiring hope for all.