Women’s History Month, originally Women’s History Week, started in Santa Rosa, California in 1978, when Congress declared March to be Women’s History Month and began requesting that the president declare it yearly. In 1995, it was officially proclaimed by President Bill Clinton and has been every year since. The whole world now celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8.
In the beginning, Women’s History Month was one of the only times women were ever really talked about in schools, as AP Human Geography teacher Anita Ardi said, “I mean, you got women that were mentioned occasionally as you did things… But you didn’t really get a lot of anything other than a few scattered here and theres.” There’s been a lot of progress since then, but it could always be better.
While there are some women that are largely known for their accomplishments, there are so many more that fly under the radar. Ardi stated that, as an educator, it’s her job to “push those that are in the middle up more” and that “if we look at the AVID program, you can see how many girls get lost in the cracks.” People learn from example, and if there’s unequal representation for women, then it’s that much harder for girls and teens to believe in themselves and in their abilities.
When asked for her opinion on women’s representation, Ardi said, “History is history, but it’s what you choose to present of history that can help shape ideas.”
Skyline does not currently have any well-advertised activities or assemblies to celebrate Women’s History Month, even though many students think that they should.
One of those students is Freshman Azurie Felt, who expressed her opinion “that history classes in particular should discuss more of women’s history at some point during the month,” and to celebrate they should have “posters or some fun event as well.”
Bringing awareness to women’s history can help future generations to better achieve gender equality. Putting in extra effort to provide a good example now will save those younger generations a lot of the trouble.
Ardi said, “I think that there is unfortunately still a case that women in some places have to be, not just better, but exceedingly better in order to get the same position. Do not be afraid to tout your own abilities; do not be afraid to brag about your abilities.”
Not everyone will welcome change when it comes to women’s rights, but it’s important to continue fighting anyways. Ardi said, “Step up, speak for yourself, and say, ‘This is what I’m gonna do,’ and don’t take no for an answer.”
