[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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