By Molly Chang
Up until the 1970s, women’s achievement was a topic that wasn’t taught in curriculums, or even celebrated at all. That ended in 1978 when the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission organized a week-long commemoration of women’s impact throughout history.
From presentations in classrooms, to parades held in downtown Santa Rosa, the many students that participated in the event caught the attention of nearby school districts and communities.
As word spread rapidly throughout schools across the country, 14 states already started to label March as Women’s History Month.
However, by March 1987, Congress eventually declared the entirety of March as National Women’s History Month.
Women’s History Month, celebrated throughout the month of March, not only commemorates women’s impacts on history, culture and society, but also encourages future generations to follow in the footsteps of these incredible women.
Year by year, the National Women’s History Alliance sets a theme recognizing women for the month of March. In the past, there have been topics of all kinds, ranging from women in public service, to trailblazing women in labor and business.
The 2022 theme is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.” This theme is important as it is “both a tribute to…caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the…women of all cultures [that] have provided both healing and hope throughout history”.
This theme is relevant to the current events happening worldwide, as women from all backgrounds who contributed to helping out the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic are honored for their hard work and commitment.
The 2022 theme also applies to women in the past, prior to the pandemic, as women from cultures all over the world are recognized for their healing and encouragement of hope.
While there is a theme set for this month of March, that does not mean only women who fit the criteria should be celebrated. Instead, Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the women in past and current generations that have influenced and encouraged the betterment of society today, meaning there are no rules.
This month is dedicated to all women who have contributed to society, whether it be dating back to people such as Rosa Parks, Abigail Adams or Susan B. Anthony, or focusing on the women in one’s personal life, such as a mother, a sister or even a mentor.
What truly matters is that the extraordinary women who have made a difference in one’s life are remembered for their courage and accomplishments throughout the month of March.
