Women’s History Month is a national event in the United States, with International Women’s Day, March 8, falling in the month. In 1978, the school district of Sonoma, Calif. established a weeklong celebration of women’s contributions to culture, history and society, which became Women’s History Month. Hundreds of students participated in a “Real Woman” essay contest, and a parade was organized in downtown Santa Rosa.

Since the first Women’s History Week in 1978, other countries, including Canada and Australia, have joined the United States in celebrating women and their accomplishments in history and culture over the years. The National Women’s History Alliance selects a topic for Women’s History Month each year. Previous topics have included: “Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet” (2009) and “Celebrating Women in STEM” (2013). The theme for 2020 and 2021 was “Valiant Women of the Vote” (learning about the fight for the right to vote). The theme for 2022 is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.” 

Freshman Sam Lamborn celebrates Women’s History Month by “researching strong, rebellious women in our history.” She likes to research women like Anne Frank, Bella Abzug and Ruth Bader Ginsburg because these women know what it is like to “be discriminated against simply because of their ethnicity and gender.” 

Anne Frank was a teenage Jewish girl who kept a diary while her family was in hiding from the Nazis during World War II. Bella Abzug started the Women USA grassroots movement to manage feminist advocacy activities, acting as grand marshal of the Women’s Equality Day New York March on Aug. 26, 1980. Ruth Bader Ginsburg became the court’s second female justice, as well as the first Jewish female justice. 

Many women have impacted the way the world views women today; one of these women is Madonna. Her most notable quote is, “I am because we are. We all bleed the same color. We all want to love and be loved.” Madonna is referred to as the “Queen of Pop.” She has broken music industry records on her path to becoming one of the world’s most influential women. Her strong dedication and remarkable success has earned her the title of “America’s Smartest Business Woman” and one of the most significant influences on modern pop music. As a result, Madonna is also a worldwide symbol of feminism, freedom and equality. 

The real importance of this month is for women to support each other. “I just think it is important that women support each other, and support others,” Charlotte Stevens, NFHS’ Teacher of the Year, stated, “Reach out and help someone that you see needs that help; be nice to others so that everyone can move ahead and pursue their dreams.” It is important to recognize the critical role of women in modern society.