The recognition of women and their impact on history with days, weeks, and months has had an ever-growing, increasingly more impactful narrative. International Women’s Day, March 8th, has been recognized across the world since 1911. President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Women’s History Week Proclamation in March of 1980. Since 1995, every U.S. President has designated March to be Women’s History Month.
Often, Women’s History efforts focus almost exclusive on the right to vote, known as Suffrage. Did you know that the Women’s Suffrage Movement was the largest ‘bloodless’ revolution ever fought? What’s more, it enfranchised more people than any other major movement before it or since. It was a big deal then and it is now, as well. However, women’s history is far more complex and goes well beyond voting or even politics.
For the month of March, your Chamber of Commerce is asking that we al set aside a few moments, or more, to examine women’s history. To take a fresh look at the perspectives, and accomplishments of women across history, literature, science, technology, and the arts.
In effort to help you, your family, and your co-workers to get started, here are some questions that you might pose as discussion starters:
- What role does the media play in the ongoing debate over gender roles in today’s workforce?
- Who is missing from the popular stories across our valley that might be included in women’s history?
- What major events in our local, state, national history have transformed the status and the rights of women in modern society?
- What is the effect that debates about women’s rights have had on shaping our politics and culture?
- How have women contributed to our cultural institutions and day-to-day practices?
Okay, I admit it, this is pretty heavy stuff. Remember, history can be a lot more fun when it’s personal and less about facts, figures, or wars. Maybe try switching the word ‘women’ to the name of a person you know, such as to Mom, or sister, wife, or someone close to you? Suddenly, this conversation gets personal, becomes focused, and then Women’s History Month 2023 becomes a complete success.
Have a great conversation, as we work together to ensure that our best days lie just ahead.
