4 ways to get inspired this Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month is in March, with International Women’s Day on March 8. The 2025 theme for the month is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” We have four suggestions on how you can get inspired at the library!

1. Attend an event

On March 5, North Portland Library is hosting a film screening of La Cocina de las Patronas, followed by a facilitated discussion. This documentary centers on a group of women in Mexico who have provided meals to Central American migrants for over 20 years, resisting a system that criminalizes the migrants.

Teens can attend a special edition of our recurring Teen Time event at Hillsdale Library on March 20. Attendees will create and design a shirt that celebrates women in the past, present and future.  

2. Celebrate women in Oregon — especially trans women

It’s essential we honor women, especially trans women who experience extreme discrimination. Here are four trans women from Oregon we’re celebrating: 

• Ada Gallagher is an athlete who won an Oregon state title in 2024. Not only did this McDaniel student win the 200 meter, she also took home a silver medal for the 400 meter. Her 52-second finish wasn’t just the second fastest of the day — it was the second fastest in the history of Oregon girl’s high school track!
• Aria Sa'id was born in Portland and lived here until she was 19. This philanthropist and social advocate co-founded the world’s first transgender cultural district, called The Transgender District, in San Francisco.
• Michalle Wright is a formerly incarcerated person who helped change the policy around how the Oregon Department of Corrections treats transgender and gender nonconforming prisoners. She shared her experiences in an article at the Multnomah Bar Association. 
• Billie McBride won Miss Trans Oregon in 2024 at 62 years old and advocates against anti-trans legislation. She’s from Astoria and lives there now, but spent much of her adult life in Arkansas as a skating coach. When the Arkansas Legislature brought forward anti-trans legislation, she decided to come out publicly and testify against it, which ended up leading to her competing — and winning — the Miss Trans Oregon pageant.

3. Thank a woman who’s been influential in your life

This year’s theme celebrates women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship and leadership. March is a great time to thank a woman who’s been influential in your life! If you like to give gifts, make a flower arrangement at our upcoming floral design workshop. If you’re a fan of experiences, explore My Discovery Pass for free tickets to local attractions that usually admit two people. If you’re a words of affirmation person, book a small community room to host a video call catch up or write thank you letters. 

4. Read and learn more

Our librarians have curated a list of books to celebrate Women’s History Month, now and always. Enjoy recommendations in ebook, audiobook, and physical form.