By Alleen Erchoff-Costet
Imagine a world without the amazing discoveries of Marie Curie, the fearless activism of Rosa Parks, or the literary genius of Maya Angelou. History is filled with stories of women who changed the world. Unfortunately, their contributions have often been overlooked or forgotten. Why is that? And how can we make sure their legacies are never lost? As we spring into March, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the women who shaped our world and the dedication to honoring them.
It’s important to recognize National Women’s History Month, celebrated every March, and it is a time to honor the countless women who have influenced politics, science, and even the arts. Over the years, many women all over the world have faced discrimination and injustice. Women in the United States were not able to vote, hold elective office, earn a living, or crazy enough – go to college! Unfortunately, discrimination against women isn’t just a problem in the United States. Many women still face discrimination in some countries such as Venezuela, Afghanistan and South Africa. Celebrating National Women’s History month serves as a time to honor the many wonderful and powerful women figures from all backgrounds, recognizing the struggles that they fought for in the past.
Did you know National Women’s History month used to only last a week? Women’s History Month originated in 1978 in Santa Rosa, California, when the Education Task Force of Sonoma Country Commission on the Status of Women planned a “Women’s History Week” celebration. Later on, it was established for the whole country in 1980 as Women’s History Week, then in 1987 it expanded to a full month. It was recognized officially by Congress and celebrated annually with different themes. Key organizations were involved, such as the National Women’s History Alliance.
There have been many women who have helped shape history in politics, science, the arts, technology and more. Marie Curie, a remarkable scientist, faced rejection from several universities, including the University of Warsaw in Poland, despite her exceptional achievements at the time. She was the first woman to ever win a Nobel Prize, and now, she is recognized as a genius scientist. Rosa Parks, an African American activist, is another outstanding women figure. Rosa Parks sat in front of a bus, and refused to move when more white passengers boarded the bus, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott. She was jailed for refusing to give up her seat and ended up losing her job due to her involvement in the boycott. Another wonderful woman figure was Maya Angelou. Maya Angelou was a renowned author, dancer, singer, activist and scholar. She was famous for her distinctive autobiographical writing style. In 1969, Angelou published I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, a memoir about her childhood trauma and racism. Despite being banned by schools, it inspired other survivors and has sold over a million copies worldwide.
As I mentioned before, women still struggle fighting for their rights in many countries such as Venezuela, Afghanistan and South Africa. Women’s rights in South Africa have been improved over time, but still there are areas for improvement needed to achieve equality for all citizens. In 2018, a study by Woman Count, an agency for gender equality and women’s empowerment, shows that 13.1% of women were reported experiencing violence or abuse from their partners. Women are often mistreated while they spend most of their time with unpaid medical care and domestic work. As of 2024, women’s rights in Afghanistan have worsened due to Taliban crackdowns on human rights. They banned secondary education, employment, freedom of movement, and speech, while leaving 23 million in need of humanitarian assistance.
Worldwide, woman have impacted our cultures and societies in great ways. There have also been many who have fought not only for women’s rights but for everyone’s rights. By reflecting on the past and hearing the voices of women today, we continue to fight for equality and ensure that our legacies inspire future generations.
Alleen Erchoff-Costet is a Spring Grove High School student, one of 15 area students participating in the Journal Writing Project, now in its 26th year.
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