In a month filled with spring break festivities, changing weather and students starting to look towards the end of the school year, Women’s History Month celebrates the accomplishments women have achieved and reminds the generation about the continued fight about gender equality.
Established in the beginning as Women’s History Week as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, CA in 1978, it wasn’t until two years later that a group of women and activists– led by the National Women’s History Project (now the National Women’s History Alliance) lobbied to get national recognition and establish Women’s History Week as the Week of March 8.
Signed into action by former president Jimmy Carter, he didn’t shy away from giving his support to the women across the country. “From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America were as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well,” said Carter when signing the official notice into place in 1980.
Following Carter’s actions, other presidents continued to call the week of March 8 National Women’s History Week, but it wasn’t until 1995 when March was declared as National Women’s History Month. English teacher Robyn Samuelson encourages women, especially young women, to stick up for their beliefs, the rights that women in previous centuries have worked so hard to achieve. “Regarding the future of female equality, young women (and men) must ensure their rights to reproductive freedom remain intact and losses incurred are won back. Access to reliable family planning was the ultimate game changer for women to achieve professional success and economic freedom”, says Samuelson.
However following the recent actions against DEIs by President Donald Trump, companies such as Google have removed holidays like International Women’s Day from their platforms like Google Calendar. But Google hasn’t only removed celebrations such as these, it has also removed the acknowledgement of Black History Month, which is celebrated in February and acknowledges contributions and achievements African Americans have made throughout history.
DEI’s contribute to a wide variety of topics across the country and ensure that all people can be celebrated and not be put at a disadvantage because of something that makes them unique. By removing important celebrations such as National Women’s History Month and Black History Month, it becomes yet another attack made on these groups who have historically been discriminated against as well.
Women’s History Month was established less than 50 years ago but it is still something that is being celebrated by all women. Junior Anna Boens knows the importance this month holds for many women and the history it brings to light for many Americans. “National women’s month is celebrated to commemorate the years of suffrage women have began to overcome. It is important for people to recognize this struggle and raise awareness of the continued fight for equality.”, said Boens.
This year the theme for the celebration is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.” As Boens celebrates this month with all the important role models in her life, she encourages other families to celebrate as well and acknowledge progress women have been able to make and continue to fight for. “The country should continue to raise awareness and recognize how far women rights have progressed. This will motivate women to continue fighting, and educate Americas about the gender inequalities”, stated Boens.
