By: Hannah Stoughton

March 3rd, 2023: On March 1^st, Women’s History Month began, signifying the beginning of month-long celebrations of the contributions of women to history.

March is Women’s History Month, and with that comes the celebration of how female contribution has a turbulent past. With the continuation of toxic masculinity and misogyny, controversy surrounds the need for a month to celebrate women, with many saying it is unnecessary and misandrist. Given the past of over-looking important additions that women have made to all aspects of life, it is essential that women that were unable to be recognized during their time, are recognized in present day settings.

The original celebration of women’s history was weeklong, and began in Sonoma, California in 1978. The Sonoma School District had decided to celebrate women’s contributions to culture, history, and society, and the idea had expanded quickly. Presentations were given at dozens of schools, and female students were able to participate in an essay scholarship.

By 1980, the celebration had spread across the country. President Ronald Regan declared the week of March 1^st-March 8^th to be National Women’s History Week, and a year later, Congress passed the resolution to make it a national celebration. In 1986, the National Women’s History Project was able to convince Congress to change the celebration from being a week into a month. March 8^th has since then been recognized as International Women’s Day, where women from all over the world are celebrated for their strength and leadership.

The United Nations has celebrated International Women’s Day since 1975. The cited the following reason for the adoption of the celebration: “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.” Women were overlooked in the work of foreign affairs, despite their involvement in it, and the General Assembly agreed that women should be recognized for the work in foreign affairs.

Since the commission of Women’s History Month, the NWHP picks a theme to celebrate women of a specific scope. They have chosen themes that involve the right to vote, the right to bodily autonomy, and more, including the 2023 theme: Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories. This March, women across America will honor those who have been active in media and storytelling. It includes broadcasters, authors, journalists, social media influencers, and more in their attempt to encompass the importance of having femininity and womanhood in media.

Many may ask, “Why does it matter though? Why do we need to make an obvious inclusion for women instead of celebrating them in everyday lift?” For much of history, women did not have representation in nearly anything. Their goals and aspirations were often squandered by men, and the lack of representation limits the dreams that younger girls can have. Seeing women become astronauts, engineers, fighters, and more allows for young girls and young adult women to understand that they can do anything that they put their mind to. It allows for bigger goals and higher levels of self-esteem in young women, telling them that they can dream and have it be feasible.

This month for Women’s History Month, there will be a celebration of womanhood and female empowerment on March 27^th in the LHR at 5:00 p.m. All women on campus are invited to attend, and there will be catering and speakers to help attendees appreciate the universal experience of womanhood. Registration is required, and the link to register is https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=OCeQ2z3UJ0awR93d-_65EXe9zlOdJYdAoLON4FvFSWtUNURLRjNRMElJUUU0MzJROVZYV1Q3WEMyOC4u .

 There is also a scholarship opportunity in the form of an essay. All essays are to be submitted by March 15^th to committeeforwomensempowerment@gmail.com, and any questions should go to Hannah Stoughton at HStou192@thiel.edu.

Happy Women’s History Month!