[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 10 (Monday, March 10, 2003)]
[Pages 266-267]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7651--Women's History Month, 2003

 February 28, 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.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:12 a.m., March 4, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on March 
5. This item was not

[[Page 267]]

received in time for publication in the appropriate issue.