In 1987, Congress declared March Women’s History Month to recognize the contributions women of every race and class have made to help shape and strengthen this country, and to promote the teaching of women's history.

In observance of this annual event, the Office of Planning State Data Center presents selected statistics with a focus on women in the District using data obtained from the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 2005. The report offers statistics on education, income, poverty and fertility as well as other growth trends.