Women's History Month, 2003

Proclamation 7651 of February 28, 2003

Women's History Month, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

As our Founding Fathers worked to develop the framework
of our Nation, Abigail Adams wrote to her husband: ``I
long to hear that you have declared an independency--
and by the way in the new Code of Laws which I suppose
it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would
Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favorable
to them than your ancestors.'' An early advocate of
women's rights, a farm and financial manager, and the
mother of an American President, John Quincy Adams,
Abigail Adams is one of many American women who helped
establish the strength and vitality of our Nation.
During Women's History Month, we recognize the
generations of American women whose important
contributions continue to shape our Nation and enrich
our society.

Through vision, hard work, and determination, countless
American women have broadened opportunities for
themselves and for others at home, in the community,
and in the workplace. In 1809, Mary Kies became the
first woman to receive a U.S. patent. By developing a
method of weaving straw with silk, she helped advance
American industry and set an inspiring example for
other American women. Her pioneering efforts helped
define our country's entrepreneurial spirit and paved
the way for future generations of women to take pride
in their talents and creativity.

Since Mary Kies' groundbreaking achievement, many
American women have become successful entrepreneurs and
business professionals. In 1905, Madam C.J. Walker
started her own business by creating and selling hair
care products for African-American women. After a
decade, her company was highly successful and employed
more than 3,000 people, and at the time, was the
largest African-American owned business in the United
States. Today, Madam Walker is remembered for her
business accomplishments, efforts to create new
opportunities for women, and for her contributions to
her community.

Driven by the legacy of these extraordinary figures,
American women from all backgrounds continue to break
barriers and fulfill their personal and professional
potential. At the dawn of the 21st century, women have
more choices than ever before. Between 1992 and 2002,
the number of female college graduates in the United
States has increased from 15.9 million to 23.6 million.
Women account for 47 percent of all employed persons
and are entering the American workforce in record
numbers. In the last 10 years, their ranks have
increased by 8.7 million. Furthermore, women-owned
small businesses are growing twice as fast as all other
U.S. firms, employing 7 million Americans and
contributing to the vitality of our economy. To build
on these successes, my Administration will continue our
work to promote policies that advance the aspirations,
hopes, and dreams of every American.

This month, as we celebrate remarkable women in our
Nation's past, I encourage all citizens to recognize
the countless American women whose efforts continue to
enhance the economic, social, and cultural life of our
great Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim March 2003 as Women's
History Month. I call upon all the people of the United
States to observe this month with appropriate
ceremonies and activities and to remember throughout
the year the many contributions of American women.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-eighth day of February, in the year of our Lord
two thousand three, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.

(Presidential Sig.)B