From trailblazing activists to modern-day pioneers, March serves as a month to honor the remarkable achievements of women throughout history. The U.S. granted women the right to vote through the 19th amendment in 1920 – since then, women across the world, and in America, have made strides in all aspects of society.
Each year, Women’s History Month is observed in the U.S. from March 1 to March 31. Although numerous countries recognize March 8 as International Women’s Day, the U.S. is the only country that dedicates the third month of the year towards it. In countries like Canada, it is celebrated in October, while in others, like Albania, it is celebrated along with Mother’s Day.
Women’s History Month in the United States reflects the struggles women have fought for, in both their careers and personal lives. Celebrated by numerous national organizations – including The Library of Congress and The National Gallery of Art – the country recognizes the impact that women made throughout the founding of the country and highlights their achievements throughout this month.
During March, the stories of many strong and powerful women are commemorated, including that of Rosa Parks, Abigail Adams, Susan Anthony, Marguerite Higgins, as well as many more influential and celebrated women.
The celebration of this annual month isn’t just national. In Cary, numerous educational institutions hold their own commemoration of Women’s History Month. Wake Technical Community College is holding a women’s history luncheon for the public on Friday, March 22 at the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh.
Leaders of non-profit organizations also observe the month. The North Carolina Biotechnology Center is holding a tour guide in Raleigh to educate people on the women that impacted the city at 201 W Martin St on March 17. Around Raleigh, there are many female-owned non-profit businesses that host unique celebrations including A Place at the Table, Designed for Joy, No Women No Girl and Esteemed Coffee. Beyond these organizations, there are museums such as the Ava Gardner museum that similarly commemorate inspiring women.
Green Hope is celebrating this month in its unique way. Various student organizations prepare activities to empower female students, including the Women in Politics Club. The Green Hope Women in Politics club gives young women the opportunity to learn about careers in politics. At the time of this article’s publication, the U.S. has never had a female President, and less than a third of Congress comprises women. To address this prevalent gender gap in American politics, this club hosts presentations, discussions, debates, meetings with notable female guest speakers – including N.C. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and U.S. Representative Deborah Ross – and field trips to government offices.
President Anika Rajesh (‘24) hopes to show students the impact they can have on the world by providing an alternative perspective in politics, exponentiating the economic growth of nations and bringing attention to education, healthcare, and social mobility access. “Women have surpassed men as university graduates, achieve a higher voter turnout than men in presidential elections, and contribute to more than a third of the global GDP,” she said. “Despite half the global population being subjected to unfair treatment for so many centuries, women have found ways to shape the world around them, proving that providing women with an equal opportunity serves to better the global society.”
Rajesh explained her personal appreciation of this month. “Women’s History Month is important because it allows us to recognize the accomplishments of women worldwide and value their contributions. It enables us to learn about notable women we may have never heard of before and give their stories the attention they deserve,” she said.
Rajesh incorporates Women’s History Month into the club’s meetings by decorating posters that share the stories of different women from history and displaying them throughout the school to educate Green Hope students.
Another club around the school is also playing a part in uplifting women: EmpowerHER. Although newly established, the club has a mission to motivate more girls to be involved in STEM and Business through guest speakers, going to elementary and middle schools and holding STEM workshops, visiting local STEM facilities, and providing a supportive community for girls of all backgrounds.
President Nabiha Rahman (‘24) shared why she believes Women’s History month is important. “Historically, women have broken barriers by changing their role in society and making significant contributions to the academic world, even when this was looked down upon for a female. It’s important to remember the women who made a difference in the world,” she said.
Her beliefs help the celebration of this month as the club is, similarly, putting up colorful posters of women. Rahman expressed what she thinks is vital for women to accomplish. “ I think that it’s important for women to feel confident in themselves to achieve their dreams, whatever they might be. In doing so they are able to make a positive impact on the world.”
Not all heroes make international headlines – there are many successful and caring women that make their local communities a better place. Mrs. Cathy Dillion, a registrar at Green Hope, helps create transcripts, enrollment and withdrawal, standardized test and social security forms and keeps up with every student’s files in the school.
Dillion shared her opinion on how the accomplishments of women benefit the larger society. “Women play a critical role in all aspects of our society from leadership, to education, medicine and law, their contributions are recognized and celebrated. As parents they set the foundation for future generations,” she said. “My mother truly impacted my life with her love and dedication to mentally and physically challenged children at The Opportunity School, where she started as a volunteer and ended up its director.”
March celebrates inspirational women across the globe, and people can see their vital role throughout Green Hope and the country. Dedicating a month to women – even in areas of the world where women’s rights aren’t fully recognized – acknowledges the achievements of every women, whether they are written in history books or not. From grandmothers to aunts and teachers to close friends, March offers an opportunity to tell the stories of half of the human population.
