The month of March is Women’s History Month and is spent recognizing, remembering and celebrating the accomplishments of women throughout history and today.
The beginning of Women’s History Month can be traced back to a group of women protesting in New York City in 1857. According to the United States Census Bureau, these women gathered to protest the poor working conditions in the factories they were working.
Then, in 1909, the first Women’s Day celebration was held in New York City.
After seven decades, the United States Congress established Women’s History Week which would be held and celebrated annually on the second week of March. Later, in 1987, Congress decided to expand the celebration to last the entire month of March.
“Women’s History Month is important because it helps to remind us of all the contributions and accomplishments achieved by women,” Justin Rose, a senior business administration major, said. “It’s an important reminder that it shouldn’t be just a month that we celebrate women, but it should be every day.”
When thinking about Women’s History Month, many people remember the contributions of women such as Harriet Tubman, Eleanor Roosevelt, or Jane Goodall. During their time, these women made significant history in politics and science that affect women in those fields today. Although it is important to remember and celebrate those who have come before us, it’s crucial that we acknowledge the women who are currently making an impact on society today.
Women like Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, and Vice President Harris are all making a statement in politics, but are more importantly demonstrating to young girls the possibility they have to also be in leadership roles when they grow up.
“For me, celebrating Women’s History Month is important because I am a woman in the arts field. It’s nice to have something celebrating women since men dominate the film industry. It’s cool to see the strength of other women breaking the barriers in fields mostly dominated by men,” said Senior theater major Kersey Hanna.
Young girls and young women sometimes are told that they are not able or allowed to participate in certain activities or work in a specific field because of their gender. To many, this statement is discouraging and sometimes intimidating. However, women have continued to display to men that this is not always to case, and women are capable of holding significant leadership roles.
Vice President Kamala Harris is one who, in recent news, has displayed the possibility to young women of color that they are able to be in leadership roles, especially in politics. Harris was elected as the first female Vice President, along with being the first woman of color to hold that position.
The significance of her position will affect women for generations to come. Ry’kel Hartley, a senior elementary education major said, “It is because of madam VP Harris that young girls and young black girls can now see that their hopes and dreams can now be a reality.”
As we continue to celebrate women during this month, acknowledging those who are close to us is just as important as celebrating those who have come before us.
“As a man, I only hope to support the women in my life and can’t wait to continue to see how women change the world for the better,” Rose said.
Photo by Jamia Johnson
