Feminists unite! It’s Women’s History Month! Let the world hear our roar every month, but especially this month.
March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate women making a difference, past and present. And future for that matter. It is a time to empower the women of today by reflecting on the triumphs and challenges of those who came before us. That way, the women of today will be inspired to fight for the things they care about and make necessary changes in today’s world — big or small.
Let’s be clear: anyone who supports gender equality is a feminist. Feminism is not a dirty word, but a powerful one with a beautiful history. You should be proud to be a feminist. I know I am!
How did Women’s History Month come to be?
Originally, residents of Santa Rosa, California celebrated Women’s History Week. Beginning in 1978, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women organized Women’s History Week for the week surrounding International Women’s Day on March 8th.
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter nationally recognized Women’s History Week, and in 1987, Congress passed a law designating March as Women’s History Month. The month of March has been a celebration of women ever since.
Why does Women’s History Month matter?
The rights of women are under attack across the United States. With the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022, reproductive rights are unprotected and challenged in over a dozen states. According to Planned Parenthood, one in three women live in a state without abortion access and one in four women will have an abortion by the age of 45.
The wage gap continues to disadvantage women. Women earn approximately $0.83 for every dollar a man makes. For example, it will take women from Jan. 1, 2023 to March 12, 2024 (known as Equal Pay Day) to earn the same amount of money men earned in 2023. The wage gap is even larger for women of color, mothers, and queer women.
“Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion” is this year’s history month theme as decided by the National Women’s History Alliance. Measures to create more diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are common across companies and communities. Women, in particular, strive to create equity and inclusion to ensure the same opportunities are accessible to everyone. Are there women in your life making a difference? How can you thank them and/or join their efforts?
What can you do this Women’s History Month?
Wear purple on March 8 for International Women’s Day. Purple symbolizes justice and dignity. Women also wear green for hope and white for purity, but purple is most popular.
Have you ever considered volunteering more? Volunteer or donate to local charities and organizations! Women’s Lunch Place, located on Newbury Street, provides hot meals for women in need. The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) provides legal, medical and counseling services to sexual assault survivors and their families. Join the BARCC staff and supporters at their annual Walk for Change on April 21 in East Boston. For both of these charitable organizations, make a one-time (or recurring) donation or volunteer to make a difference in the Greater Boston community.
Shop at the Boston Women’s Market to support local businesses. Time Out Market is hosting 12 women owned businesses on March 10. Enjoy the variety of delicious food at their food hall. Sign up to decorate your own cake with Lizzie’s Bakery.
If you’re looking to celebrate women on a budget, explore the free Boston Women’s Heritage Trail. Similar to the Freedom Trail, this walking trail features prominent statues and locations celebrating the women of Boston’s history. Choose the neighborhood you’d like to explore and put on your best walking shoes. Downtown Boston features 26 stops on the trail alone! To explore more history near campus, there are also trails in Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and Chinatown.
In addition to celebrating the women in our community, celebrate the women closest to you — your mom, grandma, best friends, girlfriend! And don’t forget to celebrate yourself this month! Have a self care night, hang out with your best friends, and enjoy your spring break.
Happy Women’s History Month, everyone! Celebrate the powerful women all around you and make some history!