Introducing: Alabama Today Women of Influence

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As the U.S. Census celebrates March as National Women’s Month, Alabama Today proudly kicks off its “Women of Influence” series.

The weekly column will spotlight the women of Alabama who are impacting communities, strengthening families and leading businesses.

National Women’s History Month began in 1857, when women from New York City factories staged a protest over working conditions. International Women’s Day, first observed in 1909, led to Congress establishing National Women’s History Week, commemorated the second week of March. By 1987, Congress expanded the week-long celebration to a month.

Every year, Congress passes a resolution to honor Women’s History Month, with a proclamation issued by the President.

As of December 2013, there are 161 million females in the U.S., compared to 156.1 million males. More than 75.1 million women ages 16 and older participate in the civilian workforce.

According to Census estimates, the top four occupations with a majority of women — 80 percent or more are registered nurses; social workers; licensed practical and vocational nurses; and bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks.

Readers are encouraged to nominate women of influence from around Alabama who are active in business, politics, philanthropy and more at tips@altoday.com.

Women's History Month
Image courtesy of the U.S. Department of Commerce