PEAK TO PEAK - We recognize March as Women’s History Month in the United States because women’s contributions are often overlooked in the US and around the world. 

International Woman’s Day is celebrated on March 8. The United Nations has been celebrating International Woman’s Day since 1975. 

When adopting the resolution on the observance of International Women’s Day, the United Nations General Assembly cited the following reasons: 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, along with minorities, have had to fight for their rights through the centuries. Women’s accomplishments have been made by breaking down barriers, and, despite being told “no” many times, being laughed at, being assaulted, and being told by society “you don’t belong here.” Yet, women have persisted. 

Think of Jeanne Holm, who, in 1971 became the first woman general in the US Air Force. In 1990 Darlene Iskra became the first woman to command a US Navy ship.

And, since we are talking about the military, how about the women, Black and White, who served in WWII in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and Women’s Army Corps (WAC). The societal barriers these women had to overcome were massive. 

Think of the women who fought to go to medical school, and law school. The ones who changed their names so their writing would be published, and the ones who fought to keep teaching school after they married. The many who faced imprisonment and forced feeding to gain women the vote.

In 1967 Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to officially entered the Boston Marathon. A race official tried to throw and push her off the course, but he failed to do so. Switzer finished the 1967 Boston Marathon. Think how she has changed women’s sports. 

If we want to talk about a changemaker in US society, Shirley Chisholm would be at the top of the list. Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to the US Congress. She served for seven terms and she ran for President.

She co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus and was a champion who helped create food stamp programs and WIC. She was always working to improve the lives of women, minorities, and children. She challenged gender and racial barriers in politics and in our society. 

Chisholm was a model for grassroots activism and paved the way for those who followed. 

I hope before too long you take the time to research more American women, like Dolores Huerta and Billie Jean King. Two highly influential human rights activists and leaders. 

Huerta, now in her 90s, is a community organizer, labor leader, civil rights leader, and co-founder of the National Farm Workers Association. 

Tennis great Billie Jean King has long been an advocate for gender equality and social justice on the court and off. She is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and still speaks out against discrimination. 

As the month of March wraps up, remember the women who have made a difference, and celebrate those who are making positive changes today. See them and value their input. Equality has not been achieved yet in the US or internationally.

Sources for this article include https://www.loc.gov/collections/veterans-history-project-collection/serving-our-voices/diverse-experiences-in-service/women-at-war/ and  https://www.un.org/en/observances/womens-day.