COLUMN: Women's History Month is needed now more than ever
Going on social media has been a strange mixture of complicated feelings after the election. With new phrases like "Your body, my choice," the overturn of Roe v. Wade and a constant stream of negativity in the headlines, it feels like the world has gone back 50 years.
Threats to end "radical and wasteful" Diversity Equity and Inclusion efforts continue in the White House and companies like Google Calendars have already erased its yearly observances to things like National Women's History Month.
To me, it's very apparent that International Women's History Month is needed now more than ever.
I’ve always had a complicated relationship with femininity, and today when my rights and the rights of the women I’ve grown to love are being threatened, that relationship has become more complicated.
Now I'm watching the reproductive rights I was told would be protected as a kid being questioned by the very government I was taught to have faith in, those same complicated feelings are crawling back.
Learning the history of the women who have come before me has made me appreciate all I’ve grown accustomed to. Without Women's History Month, I would not have known about the women leaders who fought endlessly for women's rights. With Women's History Month, I am more aware of the worldwide fight for equal rights for women that continues today.
Here is a quick look into the history of women’s rights in America:
- 1920: The 19th Amendment to the Constitution is ratified, giving women the right to vote.
- 1963: The Equal Pay Act is passed by Congress banning pay discrimination based on gender, race or religion.
- 1964: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act is signed, prohibiting sex discrimination in the workplace.
- 1972: Title IX of the Education Amendments is signed by the 37th U.S. President Richard Nixon which called for “the Prohibition of Sex Discrimination.”
- 1973: The Supreme Court ruled that women had the fundamental right to choose whether or not to have an abortion in the Roe v. Wade hearing.
- 1974: Housing and credit discrimination based on sex is outlawed by Congress, the Supreme Court also prohibits forced maternity leave on women.
- 1975: The Supreme Court rules that women cannot be excluded from juries.
- 1978: The Pregnancy Discrimination Act is created, banning discrimination against pregnant women in places of employment.
- 2013: Women are now allowed to hold combat military positions.
Women have built this nation and have fought endlessly for equal protected rights. Women have been the groundwork for the Civil Rights movement, gay rights, the fight against climate change and so many more movements throughout history.
Being taught these things as a kid, and remembering and honoring those who’ve come before me, has made me feel proud of my femininity today. It’s given me a strong admiration for the women around me, and I want young girls to grow up with that same confidence and pride for their femininity.
