March marks the start of Women’s History Month. This celebration of the achievements of women throughout America and the world has its own rich, interesting history.
2010 marks the 30th anniversary of the first official acknowledgement of Women’s History. It was not immediately given its own month, but rather started out as a full week long event throughout public schools. The was so popular it spread throughout the country and soon the government declared the week of March 8th to be the official Women’s History Week.
The purpose of this week was to increase awareness of all the work women have done for society throughout history. Those who created this movement felt that women were being vastly underrepresented in the media and in history books for their involvement in the shaping of our modern world.
They wanted to see an improvement in the way classes were taught in regards to women’s history.
Through their continued dedication and the raising of awareness of the issue across the country, March was officially dedicated as Women’s History Month in 1987 by the President of the United States.
Every year the president presents a speech to kick off the month, where they emphasize the importance of acknowledging important women in history.
Every year is also marked with its own distinct theme – a message to help unite all of the supports of women’s history. This year the theme involves a return of women in public education textbooks.
Some believe that women have once again taken a back seat to men when being represented within history books. This month should be a reminder to highlight all the great deeds that women have accomplished in this country.
It is easy to think that having months dedicated to specific demographics or minorities is a redundant or even biased. But it is important to remember the real focus of campaigns like Women’s History Month – they are geared towards making changes in realm of public schools, especially for children.
We may know of the many great things women have done for the world, but that is only because we were taught about it since elementary school. Our generation was one of the first to receive a full education about the minorities that history typically seemed to overlook. So of course it will seem unneeded to highlight information that to us seems common-place.
It is because of the work of the first women’s history advocates that we have the privilege to feel that way. We must all do our part to ensure that future generations get the same opportunities to learn about the overlooked populations that have been so pivotal in shaping our modern world.
So use this March as a time to really develop our understanding of the importance not just of women but of the education of the work women have done. Attend any of the various speakers that are planned for the month, or the series of one-acts that are being put on by the women’s rights organization POWER. You have the ability to help ensure that future generations will all get the same opportunities to learn about the female heroes that helped us all get to where we are today.
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