WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: PAST & PRESENT

CREATION OF MONTH-LONG CELEBRATION, HOW ITS CELEBRATED NOW

Women’s History Month has been celebrated every March since 1987. The idea came from women’s voices being historically repressed in society and the intention is “to recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security” (History.com). The entire month of March is seen as a time to refl ect on the female heroes of our past and present, as well as honoring their legacies and the impacts they have made on the present day. The origins of Women’s History Month stem from a week-long celebration started in 1978 by a school district in Sonoma, California. The district used this week to celebrate women’s contributions to society, culture and history. The celebration consisted of the students attending these schools to participating in a “Real Woman” essay contest, followed by a parade in Santa Rosa. In the following years, the idea of women’s history week stretched throughout surrounding school districts, eventually reaching the national level. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation that the week of March 8th (known as International Women’s Day) would be recognized as National Women’s History Week. The National Women’s History Project then petitioned for six years after the proclamation that it should be held over an entire month-long period; the change in celebration was seen by Congress and became an o cial month-long event for the fi rst time in 1987. Every year, Women’s History Month follows a theme on who to highlight that year. The theme for 2022 is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope”. The themes are designated by the National Women’s History Alliance and they state that this year’s theme is “both a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history.” They further state that “This year, in particular, we are reminded of the importance of healers and caregivers who are helping to promote and sustain hope for the future.” The NWHA encourages communities throughout the country to honor local women who bring and have historically brought these priceless gifts to their families, workplaces and neighborhoods, women who, as counselors and clerics, artists and teachers, doctors, nurses, mothers and grandmothers listen, ease su ering, restore dignity and make decisions for our general as well as our personal welfare.” Essentially, Women’s History Month is not just to celebrate the famous women of the past, but to also celebrate loved ones of the present. The United Nations has sponsored and strongly advocated for the celebration of women since 1975. When the United Nations General Assembly was asked why, they responded with “to recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security” (WomensHistoryMonth.gov).

The way the month is celebrated varies depending on the city, state, or even country. Some places celebrate with parades and parties, while other places celebrate by educating the population further and letting the women around know that they appreciate them and gifting them fl owers. No matter how its celebrated, make sure to take time to appreciate the women in your day to day life! Story by Bailey Lincoln.

WHO IS YOUR FEMALE HERO?

Nadiah Perez, 12 Gavin Dombrow, 9 Aidan Baugh, 12

My female hero is Selena Perez, a hispanic singer. My female hero is Mrs. Incredible because she is a very good actress. My female hero is Natalie Portman because I am a big fan of Star Wars.

DOROTHEA LANGE

Well known photographer and photojournalist during the Great Depression. Most known for her piece “Migrant Mother”. American aviation pioneer known for being the fi rst person to fl y acorss the Atlantic Ocean by herself.

Photos from npr.org, nytimes.com and nypost.com

WOMEN IN HISTORY CROSSWORD MALALA YOUSAFZAI

Pakistani activist for female education and general feminism and female rights. She is the youngest person to recieve a Nobel Peace Priz at 17

Across 4. a Pakistani activist for female education and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. 5. Mexican artist and painter known for her pieces incorporating nature and artifacts of Mexico. Also known for her unibrow as a way to express her feminism. 7. American documentary photographer and photojournalist, best known for her Depression-era work. 10. English novelist, primarily known for her piece “Pride and Prejudice”. 11. Swedish environmental activist who is known for challenging world leaders to take immediate action for climate change mitigation. 12. American actress, comedian, and a pioneer of early television; with a career spanning seven decades. She recently passed, almost living to 100 years old. 13. The fi rst Jewish female justice of the supreme court, major advocate for gender equality. 14. American political activist, born into slavery and helped others escape through “The Underground Railroad”. Down 1. American artistic gymnast with a combined total of 32 Olympic and World Championship medals. She is currently tied as the most decorated gymnast of all time. 2. Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt from 51 to 30 BC, and its last active ruler. 3. Civil rights activist, famously known for not giving up her seat on the bus. 6. American actress, model and singer; known as the “blonde bombshell”. 8. The fi rst woman aviator to fl y solo across the Atlantic Ocean. 9. American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. Author of book “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”.