March is National Women’s History Month, a time when we celebrate the many contributions and achievements of women throughout history. This month provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress that women have made in the fight for equality and to recognize the ongoing struggle for gender equity that still exists.
1900s - 1910s
The history of National Women’s History Month dates back to the early 1900s when a movement for women’s rights and suffrage was gaining momentum in the United States. In 1911, the first International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 8th, with rallies and demonstrations taking place across Europe to demand better working conditions, suffrage, and gender equality.
1970s - 1980s
In the 1970s, the Women’s Liberation Movement in the United States began to advocate for the recognition of women’s history and contributions to society. In 1978, a group of women in California organized the first Women’s History Week, choosing the week of March 8th to coincide with International Women’s Day.
The idea of Women’s History Week quickly gained traction, and soon other states and organizations were following suit. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week.
In 1987, Congress expanded National Women’s History Week to National Women’s History Month, which we still celebrate today. Each year, a theme is chosen for National Women’s History Month to highlight the achievements of women in a specific area. This year’s theme is “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to be Silenced.”
Contribution of Women
Throughout history, women have made significant contributions in all areas of life, including politics, science, medicine, education, and the arts. Here are a few milestones in women’s history that we can reflect on during National Women’s History Month:
- In 1848, the first women’s rights convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York, where attendees drafted a “Declaration of Sentiments” calling for women’s suffrage.
- In 1920, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote.
- In 1963, Betty Friedan published “The Feminine Mystique,” which is often credited with sparking the second wave of feminism in the United States.
- In 1972, Title IX was passed, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs that receive federal funding.
- In 1981, Sandra Day O’Connor became the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
- In 1997, Madeleine Albright became the first female U.S. Secretary of State.
These are just a few examples of the many ways in which women have made history throughout the years. Today, women continue to make strides in fields such as politics, business, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), but there is still much work to be done to achieve true gender equality.
At Love & Kindness Surrogacy, we recognize the important contributions that women have made and continue to make to society. We are proud to work with women who choose to become surrogates, helping families grow and bringing joy to people’s lives.
As we celebrate National Women’s History Month, we encourage everyone to reflect on the achievements of women throughout history and to work towards a future where gender equity is a reality for all.