 "Photo: File")
Every month has a special day to celebrate or a day to reflect on something significant in our country's history. The month of March is Women's History Month.
According to the National Women’s History Project at http://nwhp.org, “Every year in March, the NWHP coordinates observances of National Women’s History Month throughout the country. The NWHP originated this widely recognized celebration and sets the annual theme, produces educational materials, and chooses particular women to honor nationally for their work.”
In most history textbooks, a lot of women in history are either overlooked or unappreciated.
The website said that “Multicultural American women are overlooked in most mainstream approaches to U.S. history, so the National Women’s History Project champions their accomplishments and leads the drive to write women back into history.”
When women learn about their history, they become empowered and serve as role models to future generations.
“We as women have accomplished so much, and I think that it’s great that we have a month of recognition,” said Monique Fisher, a UWG Senior. “We play so many roles throughout our daily lives that we don't have the time to pamper ourselves as much.”
Many women in the past have fought for basic rights, including the right to vote, hold property, higher education, equal pay for equal work and reproductive rights.
Not too long ago, women were also unrecognized for their talents in mathematics, science and art.
“It's a great thing!” said sophomore Brandy Manders. “We need to learn more about women leaders in the world. Today's history is focused so much on wars and the bad things that happen. Women have done a lot of good, such as taking over jobs during the World Wars and helping to save the economy. Without women, the world would not be where it is today.”
Fellow sophomore Camie Smith had similar views.
“I think Women's History Month is important because not many people really think about the oppression women went through in history,” said Smith. “We see the here and now and don't remember how it is women got here. I like the idea of Women's History Month because it is so diverse. Women of different ages, cultures, races, and religious backgrounds have greatly influenced this nation and have truly made an impact.”
Many libraries, including the Ingram and Carrollton Libraries, have plenty of books that have to do with Women's Rights.
This month, it is important to remember all the sacrifices that women in the past have made. Without them, women would not have the liberties that they have today.
“I think this month is a great way for us to recognize our strength and give ourselves a pat on the back,” said Fisher. “We have come a long way and we have fought for our rights alongside civil rights, so it’s pretty awesome to have a month just for us. Girl power!”
Be the first to comment on this article!