Women’s History Month

By: Aarja Mody, Social Media Editor, The Pawprint

During Women’s History Month, we honour women’s accomplishments. While it’s essential to commemorate women’s history throughout the year, March is a good time to reflect on the sacrifices made by women to make the world, including our country, a more inclusive place.

It’s also a terrific moment to honour the women in your life who make a difference, such as your mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, boss, or mentor. Without the work of previous generations of women, we would not be where we are today.

How did it become a month-long celebration? 

The month of March is dedicated to women’s history. Women’s history week began in 1981, when the legislature approved and requested that the president declare March 7 to be “women’s history month.” Women’s history week was celebrated for the fifth year in a row. In 1982, congress recognized March 1987 as ” Women’s History Month” after being petitioned by the National Women’s History History Project. Between 1988 and 1994, congress approved further resolutions requesting and enabling the president to announce March each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, presidents have made a sequence of declarations naming the month of March to be Women’s History Month.

Important dates during Women’s History Month

• The 8th of March which is still International Women’s Day
• The Women’s Suffrage Parade which took place in Washington, D.C. on March 13, 1913, with over 8,000 women marching in order to seek a constitutional amendment ensuring their right to vote.
• The Equal Rights Amendment was enacted by the Senate on March 22, 1972.

Women who have changed the world

• Oprah Winfrey: Because of her difficult background, excellent charitable work, schools, and genuine interactions with her followers, Oprah Winfrey is seen as a role model by many people. Oprah distinguishes out among many individuals for her capacity to empathize with others’ suffering and to assist them to get through difficult situations.
• Malala Yousafaiz: She stayed in her struggle and founded the Malala Fund, a non-profit devoted to fighting for equal rights and ensuring that girls all around the globe have access to education. She was the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize that year, and she went on to graduate from Oxford University the following year.
• Mother Teresa: She is an excellent role model since she has done so much to better the lives of others, including dedicating her life to assisting those in need. Because of her generosity, commitment, and love for the underprivileged, Mother Teresa is a merited hero. Mother Teresa constantly placed the needs of others ahead of her own. 

Women’s History Month is the month that is dedicated to all the women in the world who have made a difference. From internationally known role models to moms. An apparition for what women have done for us to be where we are today.