Honoring Women’s Impact: Celebrating Women’s History Month

Celebrate Women's History Month at the San Mateo County Library. Photo courtesy of San Mateo County Libraries. 

March is Women’s History Month, the perfect time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. The Bay Area is home to many inspiring women, from female trailblazers in the arts and media to entrepreneurs shaping local restaurants and stores. Whether you want to explore exhibits showcasing female artists, attend exciting events or dine and shop at women-owned businesses, there are plenty of BARTable opportunities to celebrate Women’s History Month. 

Use BART’s Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

Learn about Women’s History Month at museums and speaking events.

Enjoy free entry at BAMPFA on International Women's Day. Photo courtesy of BAMPFA. 

International Women’s Day at BAMPFA | Downtown Berkeley

Enjoy free gallery admission at BAMPFA on March 8 in honor of International Women’s Day. The “Making Their Mark: Works from the Shah Garg Collection” is a compilation of over 70 pieces spanning nearly eight decades, all of which are committed to amplifying the voices and visions of women artists. Plus, if you’d like to dive in and test your own creative abilities, an Art Lab is open for hands-on activities. Visit BAMPFA on International Women’s Day and all year long, 0.1 mile from Downtown Berkeley.

Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame | 12th St/Oakland City Center

Women have changed the face of broadcasting, and this Women’s History Month, the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame is holding its second annual event titled “He Said, She Said: Reality Check.” On March 15, head to Jack London Square to see a panel including Marcia Brandwynne, the first woman to anchor a local TV prime-time newscast. The program will explore the contributions of women in broadcasting, highlighting their innovations and influence on radio and television in a historically male-dominated industry. It will also address the challenges many female broadcasters face today. Take BART to 12th St/Oakland City Center to learn how women shaped the face of broadcasting 0.6 miles away in Jack London Square.

Local libraries | Multiple

The San Francisco Public Library wants members to be inspired by "HERstory." SFPL's celebration of women’s history lasts throughout the year. It includes talks and panel discussions by women authors, exhibits, book clubs, films and interactive programs—all with themes centering around women, feminism and the women’s movement.

Oakland Public Library is celebrating Women’s History Month with free inspirational downloads and fascinating records from the archives. Schedule a one-on-one meeting with a librarian to access rare collections about everything from the Oakland Women’s Rowing Club to Women in World War II and women in aviation, medicine and business.

The San Mateo County Library branches are also committed to celebrating women's achievements this March, and there are several Women's History Month events at their BARTable Millbrae location. 

Find out more about BARTable Bay Area Public Libraries here.

Support women-owned restaurants during Women's History Month

Support women-owned businesses, like Shani Jones' Peaches Patties, this Women's History Month. Photo courtesy of sfgov.com.

Peaches Patties | Embarcadero

Taste the flavors of Jamaica at Peaches Patties in San Francisco’s iconic Ferry Building this March. Founder and Executive Chef Shani Jones named Peaches Patties after her mother, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, who is known for making the most delicious beef patties. Her mother's nickname is “Peaches." While Shani Jones specializes in homemade, fresh Jamaican patties (savory pastries filled with meat and veggies), Peaches Patties also offers other flavorful Caribbean dishes, like Jerk Chicken and Rasta Stew. Grab a plate to go and enjoy flavorful dishes with waterfront views, 0.2 miles from Embarcadero. 

Sisters Coffee Shop | 24th St Mission

Owners and sisters Karen and Melody Ruelas opened Sisters Coffee Shop in 2021 after years of helping run a family-owned food stand in Richmond. The women-owned eatery serves caffeinated drinks, bagels, and sandwiches, but their specialty is Mexican hot chocolate. Take BART to 24th St Mission and savor hot beverages and warm bites 0.5 miles away at 920 Valencia St.

Shop at women-owned stores during Women's History Month

Visit BLK Girls Green House in West Oakland this March. Photo courtesy of BLK Girls Green House. 

BLK Girls Green House | West Oakland

Friends Kalkidan Gebreyohannes and J’Maica Roxanne run Blk Girls Green House, a lush plant/home goods shop and community space. Walking through the front door, you’ll step into a trendy oasis. Spot vintage photos of Kalkidan and J’Maica’s mothers and grandmothers, artwork on the walls, and plenty of greenery and unique décor.  Their flagship BARTable location is committed to collaborating with fellow Black-owned businesses and inspiring local shopping. Take BART to West Oakland and find this gem 0.6 miles away at 1700 Center St.

Stitch and Sparrow | Rockridge

Looking for cute apparel, unique gifts, locally made jewelry and home décor? Head to Stitch + Sparrow.  Owner and buyer Janel Anderson hand-picks each laid-back yet sophisticated piece. If you have little ones, visit her children’s apparel store, Bird & Bean, next door. Take BART to Rockridge to visit one of the many women-owned businesses we love 0.4 miles away at 3210 College Ave.

Joyce Gordon Art Gallery | 12th St/Oakland City Center

This women-owned fine arts gallery in Oakland aims to make beautiful, unique pieces available to a broad audience. Artwork here reflects local and international artists' cultural and social diversity. Take BART to 12th St/Oakland City Center. The Joyce Gordon Art Gallery is just steps away at 406 14th St.

Celebrate Women’s History Month at Bay Area events

Catch "Raymonda," inspired by Florence Nightingale. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Theater. 

“Raymonda” at the War Memorial Opera House | Civic Center/UN Plaza

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the San Francisco Ballet presents a "Raymonda." Artistic Director Tamara Rojo’s adaptation inspired by the story of Florence Nightingale, is about a courageous woman who defied societal norms to serve as a nurse during the 19th-century Crimean War. The story honors the historical contributions of women during wartime. Catch this production featuring a strong female lead and Glazunov’s beautiful musical score at the War Memorial Opera House until March 8, 0.3 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza.

San Leandro Women’s History Month Celebration | San Leandro

The San Leandro Women’s History Month Celebration is scheduled for Friday, March 14. Downtown San Leandro and West Coast Makers organize this free event, and attendees can look forward to food trucks, a beer garden and special guest community speakers. The celebration aims to honor and recognize the contributions of women throughout history. Take BART to San Leandro Station and find the fun 0.4 miles away at 222 Davis St.

How will you celebrate Women's History Month in the Bay Area?

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