March is Women’s History Month, a month-long holiday to celebrate the contributions and achievements of women throughout history. It is a reminder of the role women have played in shaping our society, both in the past and right now for their equality and justice.
The celebration of women’s history began as a week-long event in Sonoma, Calif. in 1978. The week-long commemoration took place during March 8, which is now known as International Women’s Day.
The success of the Sonoma event led to a larger movement of recognition. By 1987, Congress declared the month of March as Women’s History Month, after a petition by the National Women’s History Project.
International Women’s Day plays a significant role in today’s society and means a lot to women around the world. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “For ALL Women and Girls: Right. Equality. Empowerment,” which projects the ongoing fight for gender equality and empowerment of women in the world.
“I feel like this year’s theme is important because it emphasizes the need for inclusiveness and progress in securing rights, showcasing true equality and empowering all women and girls worldwide,” said Autumn Taylor, a sophomore education major.
At GCSU, Women’s history month is very important to the students and faculty. The university has been immensely proud of recognizing women’s history, especially given its history as an all-women’s college until 1967.
One event taking place this week is on March 12 in Russell Library. Department of Communication Instructor and Director of Public Affairs, Amanda Repess, is hosting a Times Talk on “Modern Misogyny and the Trajectory of Women’s Rights.” Other events taking place this month will be announced on GCSU’s Front Page.
Students on campus have expressed their excitement about the events that are taking place this month and the importance of celebrating women’s history.
“I think it’s great that the school is celebrating women’s history month,” said Mallory Jones, a freshman finance major. “Women in history have gone so long without recognition so it’s important for schools especially, to highlight what women have done for us today.”
GCSU, originally an all-women college, has been home to several notable female leaders who have shaped the university’s academic and cultural landscape, like Dr. Dorothy Leland and President Cathy Cox. Leland expanded learning opportunities through undergraduate research, residential learning communities, service-learning activities, internships and study abroad programs.
“I feel happy about their being multiple women presidents at GCSU because it seems there are always social norms around what a woman can do pertaining to their profession,” said Makiya Mills, a sophomore public health major. “They are an example to other women who go to GCSU and who would want a position like that in the future.”
The celebration of women’s history is not only on campus but through partnerships with other institutions, such as Andalusia Farm, the former home of author Flannery O’Connor. Andalusia is a historic site that often celebrates women’s contribution to literature and the arts.
This year, Andalusia Farm has posted an Instagram post celebrating women writers and the legacies they left behind, as well as highlighting O’Connor’s work in American literature.
Women’s history month serves as a reminder that the fight for gender equality is still happening. Whether it’s through events, discussion or social media, the month gives people an opportunity to celebrate women and their stories that have been overlooked.