March is National Women’s History Month. For International Women’s Day 2026, the primary global theme is “Give to Gain,” which emphasizes a mindset of generosity, collaboration and collective action to drive gender equality. This theme encourages giving time, resources, knowledge and support to accelerate women’s advancement. Separately, the UN officially adopted the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”.
On March 8, 1911, the first International Women’s Day was celebrated in Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Denmark, though the holiday was not widely celebrated in the United States until the United Nations began sponsoring it in 1975.
In 1977, to persuade school principals to comply with the recently passed Title IX, a task force in California created Women’s History Week to celebrate the accomplishments of women.
In March 1980, after celebrations had spread across the country, President Jimmy Carter declared that March 8 was officially the start of National Women’s History Week. That same year, Utah Senator Orrin Hatch and Maryland Representative Barbara Mikulski co-sponsored the first Joint Congressional Resolution declaring the week of March 8, 1981 as National Women’s History Week.
By 1987, Congress declared the entire month of March as Women’s History Month. Since then, every President has declared the month of March as Women’s History Month. In 2021, President Biden called upon all Americans to observe this month and to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, 2021, with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities. He also invited all Americans to visit WomensHistoryMonth.gov to learn more about the vital contribution of women in our nation’s history.
Women served our nation during World War II, led organizing and litigation efforts during the Civil Rights movement and represented the United States on the global stage in the fight for human rights, peace and security. Far too often, their heroic efforts and stories have gone untold — especially the millions of black women, immigrant women and others from diverse communities who have strengthened America across every generation.
In our community, I am proud to serve on the Voorhees Township Committee with two women who are role models, Deputy Mayor Michelle Nocito and Committeeperson Jacklyn Kassab Fetbroyt. They will be sharing their thoughts in this column over the next two weeks.
**Voorhees Township, in partnership with New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, is hosting car inspections on Monday, March 16 at 6003 Voorhees Town Center (off Somerdale Road and across from Osage School). You may present your vehicle up to two months before the expiration month (March, April, May). For more information, visit the Township website at www.voorheesnj.com
** The Voorhees Township Police Department is hosting a “Coffee with a Cop” event on Thursday, March 19, from 10am to 11am at Chick-fil-A Voorhees at 1170 White Horse Road. The event offers a chance for conversations with your local police officers while enjoying a complimentary cup of coffee. Stop by, share your thoughts and learn more about the services the VTPD provides to our community. For more information, contact Jack Kluk at 856-882-1104 or email jkluk@vtpd.com
** Dog and cat licenses are valid from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 of each year. Fees for licenses are $12.00 for a spayed/neutered dog/cat and $15.00 for non-spayed/non-neutered dog/cat. Voorhees Township extends the deadline to obtain the license to May 10 of each year. Licenses obtained after May 10 will incur an additional $25.00 late fee. The late fee is capped at two pets. For more information about cat and dog licensing, contact the Township Clerk’s Office at (856)429-7757 or email pets@voorheesnj.com.
