March is Women’s History Month, so we women are called to march. We are called to march for past, present, and future changemakers and women toward gender justice. This month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history and recognize the progress that has been made and the importance of continuously fighting the struggle for gender equality.
Evolvement of Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month began as a local week-long celebration in 1978 that spread across the country through the efforts of an association of women’s groups, historians, and activists. Together, this group’s National Women’s History Project transformed into the National Women’s History Alliance, designating the month of March to women’s history. Since 1995, each president has issued an annual proclamation announcing this, and each year, the National Women’s History Alliance selects a yearly theme. The theme of 2025 is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.”
Why is women’s history important?
Recognizing women’s history by understanding women’s struggles and triumphs is critical to inspiring social change in the present. This recognition also works to uncover hidden narratives, challenge stereotypes, and foster empowerment. Historian Gerda Lerner writes, “Women’s history is women’s rights— an essential, indispensable heritage from which we can draw pride, comfort, courage, and long-range vision.” Understanding the long history of women’s activism and the fight for universal rights, as well as the context and importance of women’s experiences, stories, and triumphs, is critical to the education of all people.
Spotlighted Historical Women Figures
Historians estimate that 0.5% of recorded history is about women. Thus, compared to men, fewer people know the names and stories of historical women figures. Historian Bettany Hughes advocates seeking and including women’s stories in a historical narrative to address this.
Women like Malala Yousafzai, Amelia Earhart, Marie Curie, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Rosa Parks are widely known names. However, there is a lack of education about their names in a historical context.
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani girl’s education activist who survived an attack by the Taliban for advocating for girls’ right to learn. Still, today, Yousafzai’s efforts must continue, as many girls worldwide still do not have access to or are not allowed to go to school. Connecting Yousafzai’s historical activist efforts to the present, the fight for equal access to education for all is still prevalent, as she emphasizes the idea that education should be a human right— but unfortunately, it is a privilege. Even when experiencing censorship in today’s world—such as the banning of information on gender-inclusive, reproductive care, and comprehensive sex education information— we limit a human right. One that prevents informed decision-making, health and safety, stigma reduction, healthy relationships, empowerment, and gender equity. Malala Yousafzai indeed framed the ideal that knowledge is the root of progress for women.
Understanding historical women’s stories like Yousafzai’s and connecting their efforts to a broader social context truly drives more activism and progress.
Stay Informed
During this month, it is vital to educate oneself, whether through clubs at school like Girl Up Women in Stem or other feminist-based organizations or through history books, online searches, exhibitions, or events.
