Written by: Olivia Frymark
Each year, we celebrate and observe Women’s History Month from March 1st through 31st to honor the achievements of women throughout American history and the important roles they play within our society.
This Women’s History Month, we encourage our community members to learn more about the dynamic history of strong women in our country and appreciate their contributions to today’s culture.
The History of Women’s History Month
Until the late 70s, women’s history was not studied as a part of the public school curriculum. To mitigate this concern, the Education Task Force of Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women created “Women’s History Week” in 1978. Two years later, President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8th a national celebration and encouraged everyone in the United States to participate.
The observation was specifically chosen for this week to include the celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD), which always takes place on March 8th. Since it first began in 1911, IWD celebrates the “social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women,” calls for action to accelerate gender parity, and fundraises for “female-focused” charities. In 1987, Congress passed a resolution to extend Women’s History Week to become a month-long celebration in March.
How You Can Get Involved
There are many different things we can do to further our education on and celebrate the strength of women this month.
- The National Museum of Women in the Arts resides in our home of Washington, DC. Although it’s currently closed for renovations, the museum is still championing women in the arts with a number of virtual events this March for you to participate in and learn more.
- Take time to learn about American women in politics, their timeline of representation, and their influence on today’s society.
- Support female business owners and entrepreneurs in Washington DC and beyond.
- Read books by female authors that celebrate the female experience.
- Explore and amplify the voices of female musicians and artists.
- Watch a film about famous women in history.
- Support a women’s nonprofit organization. If you can, donate in support of a charity focused on women’s empowerment.
- Recognize the powerful women who came before you and continue to advocate for the basic human rights women deserve today. There are a lot of current women’s issues at stake – Pregnancy and Parenting Discrimination, Violence Against Women, Women’s Rights in the Workplace, Women’s Rights in Education, and Women and Criminal Justice. Stay informed and take action when you can. Whether you have a lot or a little time, there’s plenty that can be done to help the cause.
Celebrate at VIDA
Finally, celebrate this month by taking one of our special-themed group fitness classes each week. Find inspiration and motivation in our upcoming class schedule and make sure to sign up for class on the VIDA app!
