Mariah Lumsden, a writer and report for The Scroll, takes us through the oppression that women have been forced to face in the past, the contributions they have made to alter our society, and why it is important for everyone to recognize Women's History Month.
Women’s History Month is in March and it celebrates and commemorates the role of women in American history. During this month, we may observe the often overlooked stories and gifts that women have provided to U.S. history.
Women’s History Month was declared a national celebration in 1987, after Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9. However, between 1988 and 1994, Congress would pass additional resolutions authorizing the President to claim every March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations would celebrate contributions women have made for the United States, including specific accomplishments relating to every field. The organizers of the original celebrations chose March 8th specifically so that it would coincide with International Women’s Day. In 1980 women’s groups and historians alike would lead the National Women’s History Project and would lobby for national recognition. President Jimmy Carter said during this time, “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.” He then went on to say, “But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.”
Having a month to observe the contributions of women in the United States is important because, throughout the 1970s, women’s history was rarely talked about in public education. During the first Women’s History Week in 1978, hundreds of students participated in an essay competition on the topic of “Real Woman.” There were many presentations given, and there were parades held in downtown Santa Rosa, California. The first celebrated International Women’s Day was on March 19th, 1911. It was held and organized by the Socialist Party of America. Throughout 1911, Women’s Day grew into more of an international celebration and had even spread to Europe because of the socialist movement at the time. On March 25th, 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire killed 146 people, consisting of mostly women in New York. As part of International Women’s Day celebrations, the reminders of those who died is still invoked.
Celebrating women during women’s history month is important. There are several ways you can celebrate. Exploring the history of women’s rights throughout history is one of the most significant ways you can do so. Being aware of the issues women still face today because of their gender is also important and helpful in understanding and sympathizing with women during women’s history month. One easy way to celebrate is posting on social media to spread awareness about women's history month, although you should be careful with performative activism. An extremely helpful way to observe Women’s History Month is donating to women’s nonprofit organizations or women-ran business and organizations. Supporting women authors and artists and joining women’s volunteer organizations are also great ways to show your support or expand your own support if you identify as a woman yourself.
Women’s History Month is important. It is always important to recognize the contributions women have made to America and the world in general. Even when it is not Women’s History Month, you should always acknowledge what women do for us. Whether it be a mother, a sister, a grandmother, a friend, a teacher, or even the Vice President of the United States--women do a lot for us and it is important to recognize them.
