Happy Women’s History Month!
Women’s History Month celebrates the importance, influence, and contributions women have given to the world along with bringing notice to the issues women still face today. The celebration lasts the entire month of March, 31 days, and is celebrated globally. With International Women’s Day falling on March 8th, let’s explore where the celebration started and expanded to an entire month.
International Women’s Day was commemorated on February 28th, 1909 during a meeting between socialists and suffrage activists in New York City. At the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen on March 8th, 1910, German activist Clara Zetkin suggested the day be recognized, eventually winning the approval of 17 votes from the countries in attendance. By 1911, the first celebration of International Women’s Day would be recognized in Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and Denmark with the United States celebrating the holiday in 1975 with the United Nations.
In the United States, the first celebration of Women’s History was a response to getting more school principals to comply with the passing of Title IX in 1977, which prohibited discrimination due to sex in federally funded education programs. Between 1987-1988 several legislations by Congress extended the celebration to a week after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project. Congress would pass more legislation to have the celebration extended to a month between 1988-1994. In 1995, various presidents have passed a series of annual proclamations to celebrate the achievements of women throughout American history.
Check out the various ways to celebrate Women’s History Month:
- Study the history of women’s rights: Learning about the start and establishment of women’s rights will better help us understand where we currently stand on various topics still being discussed today.
- Identify issues faced today: Research ways to support and uplift women’s organizations and clubs that fight to bring a voice to women all around the world. See how women’s rights affect topics from politics to health.
- Support local women-owned businesses and organizations: Send gifts, promote, etc. for women-based organizations and businesses.
- Donate or volunteer your time: Many women’s shelters, clinics, organizations, and clubs are facing shutdowns due to low funding or other means out of their control. Show your support in any way you can to keep these safe spaces open for all women to receive resources and support.
- Give a shoutout: Highlight the special women in your life by giving them the flowers (literally and figuratively). Learn about special and influential women that are helping to make the world a better place.
Sources:
–https://womenshistorymonth.gov/about/
–https://people.com/human-interest/womens-history-month-facts-explainer/
–https://yourdream.liveyourdream.org/2021/03/15-ways-to-celebrate-womens-history-month/
–https://www.ellevatenetwork.com/articles/9921-10-ways-to-celebrate-women-s-history-month
