From the past to the present, women have made contributions to history that have shaped society today. Women’s History Month gives people a chance to honor their experiences and contributions in history.
Because women’s contributions will often go unrecognized, Women’s History Month is the perfect time to celebrate the women who have made an impact. Shira Fuller, Academic Assistant Principal, shares how her understanding of Women’s History Month has grown over time through both personal experiences and education.
“It’s a time to reflect on women who have been trailblazers, trailblazers before me, who have set a really good example and made it okay for women to be leaders and be in fields that they might not usually partake in. I was taking some women’s studies classes, and I started to understand why it’s important to highlight certain months, because there are people in history that sometimes go unrecognized in traditional history, and it was an opportunity for me to think differently, about women leaders who have come before me,” Fuller said.
Many people use Women’s History Month to appreciate and celebrate the women in their lives. Allison Tran, senior, believes the month gives people a chance to acknowledge the importance of women in shaping their lives.
“I think it’s just a really powerful month where women get to be appreciated, and we really get to show how far we’ve come and how much progress we’ve made in society, and it really empowers me and a lot of other women,” Tran said. “I think that me being a woman, it really gives me motivation, seeing the past, and how we’ve come this far to be this powerful.”
Women often have expectations and responsibilities placed on their shoulders that they don’t get recognition for. Acknowledging women’s History allows their efforts to be appreciated. Alicia Thomas, senior, reflected on both empowerment and the responsibility she feels as an older sibling, inspired by women in her family.
“Women’s History Month means the empowerment of women, how far we came and how much we’re overlooked, but sometimes how much we’ve accomplished that’s definitely gone unnoticed. It just means empowerment overall. My aunt is someone who came from nothing to something, she’s an author, she does taxes for other people; we have a family owned business on my father’s side, and she’s the eldest daughter, so she definitely has a lot on her shoulders. Considering that I’m also the eldest, it means a lot to me,” Thomas said.
Women’s History Month may just be celebrated for one month out of the year, but acknowledging women’s accomplishments beyond the month is important. Laynee Murray, freshman, explained how the month has shaped her perspective on fairness and standing up for others at a young age.
“I think it [Women’s History Month] means that you fight for what’s right, and you stand up for what you think is right and that everyone should be treated fairly. She [my mom] always taught me to fight for what’s right and stand up for myself and others around me, and she’s a good role model. I don’t believe that Women’s History Month should just be a month, I believe that it should be an every day thing, it shouldn’t just be one month,” Murray said.
By teaching women’s history, it empowers future generations of women. Jessica Carone, AP Human Geography and Women’s Rights Movement teacher, emphasized both progress and the importance of continuing to challenge stereotypes.
“Women’s History Month means that we get to celebrate women’s achievements and accomplishments in the United States and women that have paved the way for us to have the rights that we do. I know that there’s a lot of things that we still need to work on, but I think that we are in a much better place than we were even 100 years ago. The older I get and I see more of the world and I understand that not everybody has the same opportunities as I do, it makes me appreciate it more,” Carone said. “I think that people don’t give women enough credit, and that we’re stronger and more capable than they realize and I think those stereotypes have kind of come a long way, but I think those stereotypes are still something that we struggle with today. I’m incredibly grateful for everything that women have accomplished and achieved, and I’m excited for what comes in the future.”
While Women’s History Month focuses on women’s past, it’s also a good time to acknowledge women’s struggles today. Dayana Carlson, junior, believes recent events have made the meaning of the month feel more relevant and urgent.
“I first noticed it[Women’s History Month] in the past few years, when I saw that women’s rights may not have been fully secure despite them being in the constitution. Especially now more than ever, it’s important to celebrate Women’s History Month, both the big and the small steps,” Carlson said. “Women get underestimated every day, and people assume that they can’t do something just because they’re a woman and that’s still something that women face today.”
Through the voices of people around the world, Women’s History Month is more than just a celebration, it’s a reminder of progress, ongoing challenges, and the influence of women in everyday life. From personal role models to global figures, these perspectives show that while strides have been made, the push for equality and recognition continues.