International women’s day & women’s history month
What is International Women’s Day?
In the early 20th century, International Women’s Day began as a way to recognize and honor the work and contributions women made to society and families throughout history. March 8th was designated as the day when women advocated and protested for their rights.
What is Women’s History Month?
Women’s History Month originally started as Women’s History Week in 1978 by a task force in California. Two years later, a coalition of women’s advocacy and history groups lobbied for national recognition of women’s contributions and efforts. President Jimmy Carter issued a Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8th 1980 as National Women’s History Week, and years later the United States Congress passed a law designating March as Women’s History Month.
Why should we celebrate Women’s History?
Gender inequality continues to be one of the greatest human rights issue in society. By raising awareness about the importance of women to families, economies, and societies, Women’s History Month offers an opportunity for discussions around the contributions of women, the importance of educating women and girls, and the serious conditions many women and girls face around the globe today. Hundreds of millions of women and girls live in poverty, lack access to education, do not have equal access to healthcare, and experience violence.
How do girls fit into Women’s History?
Policymakers, politicians, advocates, and academics alike are worried that progress for women’s rights is reversing. Due to the pandemic, the climate crisis, and deteriorating economic conditions around the world, women and girls are facing worse conditions than they may have just a few years ago. It’s important to continue efforts for gender equality, as the world we create today is the world our children will inherit tomorrow. By emphasizing education for all children, and especially girls, we can build the foundation of future success for families. For example, when girls learn to read and write and participate in math, professionals agree they lead healthier and longer lives, raise more educated children, are less likely to experience violence or die during childbirth, and contribute to stronger economies and environments.
What can parents and caretakers do to support Women’s History Month?
Share stories of strong women and girls throughout history with your children, and commit to raising girls and boys who are allies and advocates for women’s rights. Explore achievements of women today to show children how women’s equality can be achieved through action of everyday people.
