This is the month to appreciate the pioneers of the women’s suffrage movement, the people who gave and dedicated their lives to earning equal rights for women of all backgrounds. This doesn’t exclude the women in our own lives – mothers, sisters, teachers, coaches and friends – who deserve our praise as much as any other historical figure. This month honors those who make strides for a fair and just world for every woman now and in the future. 

Below are just a few of the women highlighted who have completely changed the narrative for women as a whole. 

Ida B. Wells, born a slave, dedicated her life to unearthing the truth of lynchings that were taking place of African-American men and women all across America. Even with her life in danger, she pursued her story with tenacity and is still remembered and honored for her heroic efforts today. 

If you like it, then you should definitely put a ring on this icon. Beyoncé Knowles is a powerhouse in the music industry, building herself up as one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Her songs “Single Ladies;” “Halo” and “Irreplaceable” are one of the best-selling singles of all time. Her popularity has surged worldwide; she is an inspiration for any woman in the industry and continues to stun us with her powerful vocals and bad*ss confidence. 

Halet Cambel was an archaeologist who fought for the protection of Turkey’s most intricate historical sites in the country. She discovered an ancient Phoenician alphabet tablet that helped decode the Hittite hieroglyphics, one of humanity’s oldest civilizations. On top of this archaeological miracle, she was the first Muslim woman to compete in the Berlin Olympics in 1936, making her a force to be reckoned with. 

Not only a graceful and energetic first lady but a lawyer, leader and advocate for equal rights, Michelle Obama graduated from Princeton University as a member of the American Bar Association and majored in sociology and minored in African-American studies. During her time in the White House, she tirelessly spoke about equal opportunity rights, LGBT rights, the health of American citizens and the place of women in politics. Her vigor, strength and kindness pushed this country to be its best. 

Sally Ride reached for the stars and shot straight into space as one of NASA’s first American women to fly in space. She responded to a newspaper ad looking for astronauts for NASA’s new space shuttle program, the first time they included women. On June 18, 1983, she traveled into space and became an American symbol of breaking boundaries for young girls and women. One small step for women everywhere. 

Women near and far are fighting for their rights as equals in this world. Women’s History Month isn’t the only time we should be reaching to hold up these voices, but always. Without these brave women and countless others, the world would be worse for the wear. The future is female, and the time to act is now.