Authors Note: This post is part of a 2-part piece on Women’s History Month. The second part on the history of Women’s History Month is provided in a link at the end of this post. I hope you enjoy it.
March is a very important month to celebrate and recognize the contributions that women have made to society. In a world where men are perceived as the dominant sex, women have had to work hard to prevail against these stereotypes. Women have had to work hard to gain the right to vote, to gain the right to control their bodies, to gain the right to control their finances, and much, much more. And frankly, most of these are all things men did not have to fight for. In a world where patriarchy still exists, women have been undermined, unrecognized, and undervalued. Women have been confined to menial roles, subject to degradation, and mistreated. This is why we celebrate women’s history month. This is why it is important. In celebrating women’s history month, we can let the world know that women are not objects for men and society to play with and abuse. We must uplift the voices and roles of women to combat these perceptions. Luckily, this is the greatest aim of Women’s History Month.
Many people do not understand what is to be done during Women’s History Month. Which is the exact thing I am here to help you with! Below I will provide a bulleted list with things to do during this month.
Watch movies directed by women: https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-movies-directed-by-women-of-the-21st-century/
Watch movies with female leads: https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/news/g4767/best-action-movies/
Listen to music by female artists: https://www.npr.org/2018/07/30/627400055/turning-the-tables-the-200-greatest-songs-by-21st-century-women-part-10
Support a women’s non-profit: https://act.liveyourdream.org/donate/
Support a women-owned business: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristenphilipkoski/2020/03/22/76-women-owned-small-businesses-to-support-from-a-distance/
Support women authors: https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/2019/mar/best-books-by-female-authors.html
Write a letter to a woman who has inspired you and express your gratitude
Support women's-rights organizations: https://www.bustle.com/life/empowering-ways-to-celebrate-womens-history-this-month-39856
Another very important thing to do during women’s history month is to advocate, educate, and spread awareness. This is crucial whether you are a woman, an ally, or of any other gender. Showing solidarity and recognition of women’s contributions is very important in attaining a better society. Read below for ways to advocate and learn:
Be aware of women’s issues in your society as well as all around the world https://now.org/issues/
Spread awareness on social media about women’s history month
Download the Feminist Activist Toolkit: https://act.liveyourdream.org/feminist-activist-toolkit/
Sign petitions for women in need: https://www.change.org/t/women-s-rights-en-us
Join feminist clubs and organizations: https://www.humanrightscareers.com/magazine/feminist-organizations/ https://www.girlboss.com/read/womens-rights-organizations
Altogether, many things can be done during women’s history month and despite much opposition, this month is necessary and crucial in terms of the development of society. Women have been held back for far too long and now is the perfect time to continue making breakthroughs in a society rigged against women and their prosperity. We must all fight against confinements and work hard towards gaining equal opportunities for women and marginalized genders as well. Women have contributed SO much to society and these contributions are vastly overlooked. Maybe some men feel threatened by women and their potential. Maybe some are scared to have their dominant role in society be diminished. Maybe some are scared of being held accountable. Who knows? But, the one thing we all know is that this is an important month with important ideals. Use your power to spread awareness and increase your current knowledge. Thank you for reading.
