    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    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

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    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.
    GEORGE W. BUSH

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