First declared in 1987, initially spanning from one week to extending into a whole month, Women’s History Month (WHM) creates a dedicated time where people can honor female figures who influenced history. Originally, women’s influence on America was only celebrated once a year on International Women’s Day. Then, it was extended to Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress officially changed Women’s History Week to WHM.
Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean by herself, Rosa Parks sparked the first rise in the Civil Rights Movement and became one of its leaders and Harriet Tubman created the underground railroad and saved dozens of enslaved people.
“Marie Curie famously discovered the element radium and helped advance the research for curing cancer,” junior Emma Kim said.
WHM represents and appreciates all of these women in American history who either helped America, changed its history or inspired its citizens.
“Women’s History Month celebrates the achievements women have made throughout history and recognizes the importance of women in our society,” Kim elaborated.
To the Marriotts Ridge High School students, WHM is important because it makes them feel acknowledged. Even in modern times, there are still some imbalances in societal views. Some students may feel as if they’re inadequate or are expected to be capable of less simply because they are women, but with WHM, they can be more confident in who they are because of all the women who achieved great things before them.
“[Women’s History Month] is important to me not only because I am a woman but also because a large part of how society functions today is thanks to the achievements of women,” Kim said.
WHM, the Women’s Rights Movement and the Civil Rights Movement have helped reshape women’s role in society, paving the way for future generations.
“Historically, women have been regarded as not being smart enough to accomplish as much as men have. The women’s rights movement and the societal shift allow women to pursue an education,” sophomore Saranya Visa said.
Now, students feel more inclined to aim for awards, higher education and great discovery, knowing that it is possible and has been done by many great female icons in the past.
“Many women now stand up for themselves, compared to when it was mostly men. A lot of women now win awards for their accomplishments,” Visa explained.
Because of these influential women, their impacts and their accomplishments, it is easier for students and women in America to pursue jobs or hobbies that weren’t available decades before. WHM is important because it acknowledges women who risked everything to help future generations get to where they are today. After decades of mistreatment, policies and protests, WHM is like a reward in the end, one that reassures people that things have moved forward.