March, or in other words, women’s history month. But what is women’s history month? Why is March the month for Women’s History? How is it important? And why does it matter?

For starters, Women’s History month is set aside to honor women’s contribution in American History. March became the official month for Women’s History in 1987, “after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month”, as stated in womenshistorymonth.gov.

Women’s History month is important because it celebrates the achievements of women who have helped build our country. “This month is an opportunity to learn about our great leaders, activists, and pioneers who have worked hard to ensure women are recognized and that future generations will learn the contributions women throughout the world have made”, stated Jennifer R. Farmer. Recognizing women’s history can inspire current and future generations to be who they want to be and become recognized in society.

Everyone has a role model that they look up to, someone who they inspire to be like one day. The National Women’s History Alliance stated, “for girls, knowing women’s achievements expands their sense of what is possible. For all of us, knowledge of women’s strengths and contributions builds respect and nourishes self esteem”.

In the past, women have not always had the rights that they do now. Back then, women were denied many of their rights. Not until August 18, 1920, women were unable to vote because some believed they could not vote responsibly.

After achieving the ability to vote, women became a part of the workforce, fighting to be on the equal level as men. There are many stories of women achieving amazing things, one of these stories being for example about the three women Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Dorothy Vaughan, known as “human computers”. They were mathematical geniuses, who performed highly complex mathematical calculations that NASA desperately needed in order to send their astronauts into space. They had ultimately helped the first astronauts of the United States of America first orbit the earth and then three weeks later land and take a first step on the moon!

It’s one of the most powerful and iconic statements that women can do anything; oftentimes even more than men.

Ultimately, how does Women’s History Month impact and signify in our society today? And how did their actions affect our future?

Celebrating Women’s History Month truly makes us think about those who we admire and look up to. We can become thankful for the women in our lives, and remember that women are a gift of life. During this month, we celebrate and remember the many women who have fought courageously for equality and justice in our country.

Their actions have given women in our society today the freedom to vote, and the freedom of using their own voice. They have given us the power to prove that women can do the same things that men can do and we have become equal with them.

Overtime, women have overcome a lot of adversity. But in the end, they have achieved so much for future generations. There are many women in the world who use their voices to publicly advocate for others. For example, Malala Yousafzai became the youngest person to receive a Nobel Peace Prize, and is recognized for advocating for education. She spoke out publicly on behalf of girls and their right to have an education.

“There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a third power stronger than both, that of women,” stated Malala Yousafzai. So what does this quote mean? Power of the sword? The pen? Or the woman herself?

Well, the emphasis on women and their rights is present in her quote. Yousafzai states, “no struggle can succeed without women participating side by side with men”. Therefore, progress without women is not possible.

Malala Yousafzai, and many other women who strived to make change, had proven to society that women can do anything after putting their mind and effort into it. “No struggle can ever succeed without women participating side by side with men,” as Malala Yousafzai states.

Women’s History month is a month to celebrate and give credit to women, to also appreciate them, and let them be able to shine in all the greatness that they have to offer to not only their family and friends but to the world. Celebrating the women hood and also the achievement and the goals growing in our society today. But the last thing we want to ask you is, what does women’s history month mean to you?