As February comes to an end, we welcome March, which also means it is the start of Women’s History Month or Women’s Herstory Month! What started as a week-long celebration in Sonoma, California in 1978, became a nationally recognized week in 1981, and then a month-long celebration in 1987. Nearly 40 years later, we still celebrate Women’s History Month and use this as an opportunity to acknowledge the past and present trailblazing women who have paved the way for women and girls all over the world.
Every year, the National Women’s History Alliance chooses a theme for Women’s History Month. 2022’s theme is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.” Honestly, I love the idea of this theme. I feel like it gives credit to the women on the front lines and in our lives who help us heal and overcome the challenges in our everyday lives. In recent years, there have been phenomenal women on the front lines of the pandemic providing resources and support to those who cross their path. Therefore, it is an incredible time to highlight these women and give them the recognition they deserve.
I am a firm believer that Women’s History Month should be recognized year-round. I feel like it is a great time to reflect and remind ourselves why this month of celebration was established in the first place. To this day, there is a lack of representation of women in leadership positions, as well as politics, and other male-dominated professions. Recently, in 2020, for every dollar a man was making, a woman was making on average 93 cents! That’s only the tip of the iceberg.
…it is an incredible time to highlight these women and give them the recognition they deserve.
The common question during this month is, “How do I celebrate Women’s History Month?” Well, allow me to offer some ideas!
1. Shop at Women-Owned Businesses!
Let’s face it, the business world can get competitive. Therefore, women entrepreneurs have to work harder to not only maintain their companies but to also overcome sexism and gender discrimination in the field. Therefore, shop at a woman-owned business and let them know you appreciate what they are doing!
2. READ!!!
There are so many amazing books out there, both fiction and nonfiction, that highlight the struggles of women in so many different aspects of our society. Educating ourselves about these challenges, especially the struggles of women of color, increases our awareness of these social issues and helps us understand the challenges they face better.
Some of my favorite books (to name a few) include:
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
- Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall
- I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sanchez
- The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
3. Thank the Women in Your Life!
Although we often take for granted the importance of the women in our lives – whether it is a teacher, parent, friend, or mentor – I encourage you to reflect on the ways they have positively influenced your life. Let them know that you appreciate them!
Even though Women’s History Month is celebrated during the month of March, these suggestions are applicable year-round. Use this time to learn about women, listen to what they have to say, and celebrate their accomplishments!