"Resolved, that the women of this nation in 1876, have a greater cause for discontent, rebellion and revolution than the men of 1776." This quote, by Susan B. Anthony, summed up the frustrations of women who were battling for the right to vote, the right to work, and the right to education. The struggle for equality still goes on today, though great strides have been made. March is National Women's History Month, a celebration of the great women of the past and their place in history.
The History of Women's History Month
The origin of National Women's History Month goes back to the first recorded organized protest by working women, which took place on March 8, 1857 in New York over a variety of issues including low pay, working conditions, and the lack of a right to vote. In 1909, the first National Woman's Day was held in the United States. By 1911, International Woman's Day was honored in multiple countries, including Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. Over the years it has continued to grow and is now celebrated by over 40 different countries on March 8.
In 1979, the school district in Sonoma, California had a week-long celebration- taking place during the week of International Women's Day- of women's contributions to culture, history, and society. The week-long holiday was quickly picked up by various school and groups throughout the country, with the U.S. Congress making Women's History Week official in 1981, just two years later. Six years after that, Women's History Week was expanded into National Women's History Month.
Events and Exhibits that Celebrate National Women's History Month
Schools, museums, and historical sites throughout the country celebrate National Women's History Month. The Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Institute, National Air and Space Museum, and the National Gallery of Art all have exhibits dedicated to to Women's History Month. The National Women's History Project maintains a list of Women's History Organizations and Museums throughout the country.
Thousands of communities have lectures and exhibits, with many colleges having a wide variety of events open to the public for free. Visitors centers, libraries, and historical societies are the best source of information about local events. In addition, the International Women's Day website also has a "event search" feature allowing users to search for events in their area.
Activities for Children
The focus of Women's History Month is celebrating the contributions women have made to society throughout the course of history. There are endless activities available for children, most with the focus of furthering their knowledge. Most schools, museums, and libraries will have activities available. For younger children, at-home projects can include making a variety of collages of famous women in history and facts about them. Making a "Women's Hall of Fame" is an option for mid-age children. For older children, looking through school history books and comparing how often women are mentioned versus mentions of men is an eye-opening exercise.
Our History is Our Strength
Each year, National Women's History Month has a different theme. The theme for 2011- "Our History is Our Strength"- sums up the point of National Women's History Month perfectly. Rather than dwelling on the inequality of the past, March is a month for remembering the achievements, contributions, and strength of all the women who have helped make the world what it is today.
Sources:
History.com. (1996-2010). Women's History Month. A&E Television Networks.
International Women's Day 2011. (2011). About International Women's Day (8 March). Aurora GCM Limited.
National Women's History Project. (2009). 2011: Our History is Our Strength. National Women's History Project.
National Women's History Project. (2011). National Women's History Month 2011. National Women's History Project Blog.
National Women's History Project. (2011). Women's History 2011 Gazette.
Susan B. Anthony. (1876). Quote retrieved from The Quote Garden.
U.S. Census Bureau. (2011, Jan. 26). Women's History Month: March 2011. Facts for Features by U.S. Census Bureau.
WomenAid International. (2000-2003). International Women's Day: March 8. WomanAid International.
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