Women's History Month: This March, we are celebrating Women's History Month! A month dedicated to honoring Women's achievements and accomplishments in history, culture, and society that should receive recognition year-round. March reflects on Women's contributions that our media and public turn a blind eye on from Susan B. Anthony, Abigail Adams, Sojourner Truth to Rosa Parks, capturing the entirety of Women's milestones since the founding of the United States of America. The beginning of Women's History Month comes from Sonoma, California. In 1978, Sonoma held presentations in the school district, a parade downtown, and a "Real Women'' essay contest. The celebration became popular in American communities nation-wide, and President Jimmy Carter released a proclamation declaring the week of March 8th National Women's History Week. Shortly after, Congress voted on Carter's proclamation and thanks to the Women's History project advocacy, Women's History Month continues presently.
Honoring Women does not stop with our acknowledgement, as a Community we must find ways to continuously Support. Some examples of ways to support include:
- Researching and educating ourselves on the ongoing battle for Women’s Rights.
- Supporting Women’s Rights organizations.
- Watching Female directed films and listening to Female written/produced songs.
- Financial support through Women-owned businesses, which currently represent the minority in America.
- Listening to TED Talks for Women which provides an incredible educational opportunity, for an extremely well curated list of videos about and by Women.
- Identifying a Women’s Rights issue and writing or calling your representatives to voice your concern.
- Joining a Women’s volunteer club offers plentiful opportunities to build lifelong friendships with like-minded Women.
- Lastly, mentoring a Girl or fellow Woman in The Dream It Be It Program, YWCA, Girls Inc, and Boys and Girls Club alongside many more will be a highly rewarding and profoundly impactful experience that will change the mentor’s and mentee’s life.
While Women have made headway in our country and world-wide, there are inequities. Women earn only 81% of what men are paid. Women are less likely to hold positions of power, holding 27% of Congress seats massively contrasting the male spectrum. The “Pink Tax” remains in place running the finances of Women up $1,300. Women only hold 25% of C-Suite positions, 6% CEO positions, and 85 Women out of 100 Men are promoted. The United States remains the only industrialized nation without federally mandated paid maternity leave. 1 in 4 Women while 1 in 9 Men are affected by Domestic Violence. 1 in 6 Women go through Sexual Violence at one point in their lives. These are aspects Women must live with on a daily-basis and our Community must not become complacent with our current state of affairs.
For more information on how to support Women's History Month click here.