Why We Celebrate Women’s History Month: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
March is Women’s History Month, a month-long celebration of the extraordinary contributions women have made throughout history. It’s a time to reflect on the vital role women have played in shaping our societies, economies, and cultures. But the significance of this observance extends beyond mere reflection, it offers an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and push for continued progress on issues of gender equality.
A History of Change and Struggle
The roots of Women's History Month can be traced to the early 20th century, but it wasn't until 1975 that the United Nations formally recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day. The purpose was to highlight the need for gender equality, secure peace, and promote the full participation of women in social, political, and economic progress.
Despite significant strides in gender equality, women still face numerous challenges today. The gender pay gap, for example, persists, with women earning only 82 cents for every dollar earned by men. This gap is even wider for women of color, and it has not improved significantly in recent decades. In fact, recent studies show that American Indian and Alaskan Native women, for instance, earn only 71 cents for every dollar earned by white men. It’s clear that we still have a long way to go to achieve full pay equity.
Women's History Month brings these issues to the forefront, offering us a chance to examine the progress we’ve made and the hurdles that remain.
Celebrating Diverse Contributions
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, and all throughout the year, it’s essential to acknowledge that the experiences of women cannot be equated to one another. The achievements and struggles of white women differ from those of Black, Latina, Asian, and Indigenous women, and these differences must be honored and understood in a comprehensive context.
This celebration also highlights the intersectionality of women’s identities. Factors like race, ability, gender identity, and sexuality all shape the experiences of women, making each woman's story unique. For example, while figures like Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg are often celebrated, we must also take the time to honor other lesser-known women who have had a lasting impact on various fields. These may include Maria Winans in marketing, Janet Napolitano in law, or the contributions of women scientists at NASA.
Why It Matters Today
Women's History Month is not just a time for reflection but for action. This month encourages individuals, organizations, and communities to come together and recognize the contributions of women, as well as to advocate for lasting change.
At work, it’s an opportunity for companies to show their commitment to diversity, equity, , inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). For businesses looking to make a genuine impact, celebrating Women’s History Month is not just a one-time event, it’s a part of ongoing efforts to improve gender equality in the workplace. Integrating women's history into daily operations, from team meetings to social media posts, fosters a culture of awareness and respect. It’s essential for organizations to actively celebrate women’s achievements, not just during March, but year-round.
Organizations can also implement practical steps, such as completing pay equity audits and supporting women-owned businesses. By identifying pay disparities and taking proactive steps to address them, companies can work toward a fairer and more inclusive workplace. Supporting women-owned businesses also has the added benefit of stimulating local economies and promoting diversity in the business landscape. The Diversity Movement has put out a helpful guide on how to navigate all these issues.
Getting Involved: How You Can Celebrate
There are countless ways to engage with this important observance, whether it’s in your personal life or within your organization:
Communicate and Educate: Share stories of remarkable women in your field and discuss women’s historical contributions at team meetings. Explore diverse media such as books, documentaries, and podcasts to broaden your understanding of women’s experiences and contributions.
Support Women’s Causes: Consider volunteering your time or making a donation to a women’s charity or local women’s nonprofit. These acts of service can inspire meaningful change and foster a sense of community.
Invest in Equality: Take the time to review your company’s practices to ensure pay equity and gender equality are prioritized. Supporting female employees and leadership development initiatives is another way to contribute to long-term progress.
Collaborate: Work with female leaders in your organization to determine how best to celebrate Women’s History Month. This ensures that your efforts are meaningful and resonate with those who are directly impacted.
Looking to the Future
While Women’s History Month offers a unique opportunity for recognition and celebration, it’s essential to remember that the work doesn’t stop at the end of March. The fight for women’s equality is ongoing, and each day offers a chance to make a difference. See our blog on challenges women continue to face on their journey to success, including the complicated emotions that come with it.
By actively engaging in conversations around gender equality, recognizing the contributions of women in our lives, and taking concrete steps to support them, we can ensure that the future remains as bright for women as the past has been transformative.
Let’s Continue the Conversation
AMA PDX is excited to invite you to join our Cup of Equity, a quarterly in-person meet-up for marketers to engage in intimate conversations on timely diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) topics. Moderated by the AMA DEIA Committee, this is a safe space to explore the challenges, concerns, and questions you grapple with.
Stay tuned to our events webpage for our next quarterly Cup of Equity event!