SACRAMENTO – On Tuesday state Sen. Mike McGuire proudly recognized Molly Murphy MacGregor – a remarkable woman who has arguably done more for women’s history than anyone else in our nation – in honor of the 35th anniversary of Women’s History Month.

“Molly MacGregor is a phenomenal woman who has a passion and enthusiasm for women’s history that is unmatched. MacGregor led the charge for our state and nation to acknowledge March as Women’s History Month and it was my pleasure to introduce her to our State Senate today,” Sen. McGuire said.

Molly Murphy MacGregor was raised to believe in fairness and equality, but when she entered the workforce, she was paid less and treated differently than the men she worked with.

She has spent her life educating others about the incredible work women before her have accomplished and believes that recognizing women’s history is critical to giving young women the confidence and strength to be brave and bold in their lives.

“I am humbled by this recognition today and have always felt honored to be able to do the work we do on behalf of women,” MacGregor said. “Our history is our strength and every generation becomes stronger by learning how others have paved the way.”

In March of 1978, MacGregor convinced Sonoma County schools to proclaim the first Women’s History Week.

She helped women around the country urge their governors to declare Women’s History Week and in 1980, she received a phone call from President Jimmy Carter, who proclaimed the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week.

The National Women’s History Project, which MacGregor and four others formed in 1980, has continued for 35 years to broadcast women’s historical achievements. The national non-profit still operates out MacGregor’s Santa Rosa home.

“Molly’s groundbreaking work has changed the way history is taught across the nation, and she has had a profound impact on all of our lives,” Sen. McGuire said.