March snuck up on us, bringing all the usual madness. There’s a lot to think about, from St. Patrick’s Day to spring sports tryouts. With all of this going on, it’s important to remember that March is also Women’s History Month.
Women’s History Month is dedicated to celebrating the achievements women have made throughout time. The celebration began in the U.S. as just Women’s History Week, in 1982. Since then, the government has officially designated March as Women’s History Month. However, their focus has shifted away from the original intent of the month. In an Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump, he notes that women are biologically female and men are biologically male. In addition, Google has stopped displaying many cultural events on their calendar app, including Women’s History Month. In response to criticism, they expressed that the change is not for political reasons. These quiet but powerful decisions have, however, robbed the month of some of its impact.
Now, more than ever, it’s important to celebrate locally. Kaylynn Frink, a member of the Feminism and Gender Equality Club at TuHS, was actively involved in setting up school events in honor of Women’s History Month.
“For Women’s History Month, we had a week dedicated to comprehensive education about women’s health and inequities,” she said.
The education of the students on these topics is a large part of what Tualatin’s Feminism and Gender Equality Club strives to achieve.
“Our club’s mission is to inform and educate the student body about women’s health and the inequalities they face regularly,” said Frink. “I think it’s important because women do so much for our society, and it’s so important to let them know their contributions are seen.”
Though focus in the country has shifted, the U.S. is not the only place celebrating women this month. International Women’s Day is observed in countries all around the world on March 8. International Women’s Day is especially important in honoring women’s achievements, and it has been officially recognized by the United Nations since 1977.
Before the month is over, if you can, say thank you to the women in your life. Now is the perfect time. This could be your mother, sisters, friends or whoever else. There are many women widely recognized for their accomplishments, like Marie Curie or Simone Biles. While their achievements are groundbreaking and inspiring, there are women everywhere making significant contributions to the world every day, closer to home. It’s equally important to honor them, as well, and make them feel seen. Especially since their calendars might not.
