Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. International Women’s Day has been observed each year place on March 8th since 1911. Many countries around the world celebrate the holiday with demonstrations, educational initiatives, and customs such as presenting women with gifts and flowers.
Women have made important contributions to the growth and development of the United States, particularly in the field of transportation. Here is a list of a few honorable mentions:
- Harriet Tubman: Helped more than 300 slaves reach freedom through the Underground Railroad.
- Susan Morningstar: First woman on record employed by a railroad company.
- Eliza Murfey: Patented 16 devices for improving railroad car axles. These devices were used to lubricate the axles with oil, which reduced derailments caused by seized axles and bearings.
- Rosa Parks: Refused to obey bus driver James Blake’s order that she give up her seat to make room for a white passenger, sparking the Montgomery County Bus Boycott led by Dr. Martin Luther King. Parks became an icon of resistance and an important symbol of the modern Civil Rights Movement.
- Leah “Rosie” Rosenfeld: Filed and settled a sex-discrimination suit against her employer that resulted in a change to California’s women’s protective laws and opened senior positions at the railroad for women.
- Elizabeth Hanford Dole: Sworn in as the first woman to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation.
- Jolene Molitoris: Became the first female to head the Federal Railroad Administration.
- Sarita Britt, Cindia Chambers, and Debra Franks: San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) selected its first female superintendent(s).
- Janice Li: First queer woman of color to be elected president of the Bay Area Rapid Transit Board (BART)
For more information, visit the US Department of Transportation
Take the Capitol Corridor to celebrate Women’s History Month! Learn more about its origins, stories, and cultural/social impact in today’s society. Take advantage of our current promotions like Take 5 for $5 and book your trip today!
Sacramento Station:
- California Museum: Women Inspire Exhibit
Location: California Museum, March 1-31 (CODE: WomenInspire, Buy 1 get 1 FREE)
More information here
Richmond Station:
- 16th Annual Sisters in Solidarity International Women’s Day Celebration
Location: Richmond Memorial Auditorium, March 10, 10am-2pm
More information here
San Francisco (Emeryville/ Richmond Station):
- Women and Non-Binary Bike SF Morning Ride
Location: McLaren Lodge, March 10, 7am
More information here
- National Geographic Women Explores Celebrate International Women’s Day
Location: Canopy Jackson Square, March 8, 5:30pm
More information here
- On Rewriting the Story of Black Women’s Bodies
Location: Online/ California Institute of Integral Studies, March 8, 6-7:30pm
More information here
- Cal Academy Nightlife: Unladylike
Location: California Academy of Sciences, March 9, 6-10pm
More information here
- HERstory: SF Public Library Women’s History Month Series
Location: Multiple Locations, through March 31
More information here