[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 5, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 10647-10648]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-5371]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 43 / Wednesday, March 5, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 10647]]


                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.

[[Page 10648]]

                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

[FR Doc. 03-5371
Filed 3-4-03; 9:12 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P