Celebrating Women's History Month

March is designated as Women's History Month. Now of course, it's no secret that women are worthy of being celebrated all the time, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. However, we're happy to take the month of March as a designated time to celebrate the achievements of women throughout generations in the USA.

In case you didn't know, Women's History Month has its origins beginning approximately in 1981?when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982, as “Women’s History Week.” According to WomensHistoryMonth.gov , in 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month.

Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.

The background of Women's History month is significant for many reasons. For many years, women were oppressed and denied basic rights in America.

Here are several reasons why women's history month is so important.??

1. Before 1917, a woman could not serve in the US Congress.
2. Before 1920, a white woman could not vote in a US election. The ratification of the 19th Amendment changed things and became known as the "Susan B. Anthony Amendment."
3. Before 1960, women had no access to birth control. In May of 1960, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first commercially produced birth control pill in the world allowing women to control when and if they have children.
4. Before 1965, and before the Voting Rights Act Black women could not vote in a US election.
5. Before 1973, women could not serve on a jury in a United States court of law.
6. Before 1974 women could not apply for finance credit in their own names.
7. Before 1977 women could not file a complaint for sexual harassment from male figures in the workplace.
8. Before 1978 women could legally be fired from their workplace for being pregnant.
9. Before 1998 women workers were not guaranteed to have any maternity leave from their jobs.
10. Before 2013, women were banned from serving in military combat positions.
11. Before 2018, mothers could not breastfeed their babies in public in all 50 states.

The above examples illustrate why women have had to be vocal, courageous, and, unapologetic in pursuit of justice and equal access for women in the United States of America.

The fact is women's history is full of pioneers, trailblazers, and leaders who have led the fight for equality in the United States for all women. For centuries, American women have fought for equity and inclusion across the board just to have equal footing and justice in the workplace, boardroom, courtroom, and even at home.

The fight is not over. Women are gaining ground. However, there is more work to be done to ensure that women have their rightful place in American History.

Where should you start if you want to join the fight?

There are tons of resources that provide a rich history of women in America. Here's a listing of the 25 Best Women's History Month facts.

Whether you're a man or woman, you may be wondering "how can I help?"

The answer is simple.

• Get Educated.
• Get Involved.
• Be supportive of women's issues.
• Buy from a woman-owned business.
• Hire women at your company in leadership positions.
• Showcase your support for women on your company website.

And by all means, if you're a woman, all you have to do is simply support other women, period.??

Women can support other women by simply...

• giving a compliment
• giving an encouraging word
• giving a smile
• making an introduction
• giving a recommendation
• giving a career tip, business tip or life hack
• performing a random act of kindness.

It's not complicated. Simply be an advocate and a supporter of women whether you know them or not.??

Now here's your chance.

In the comments below, celebrate a woman you admire by simply tagging her name with the words, "I celebrate you!"

READY. SET. GO.

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This article was written by Dr. Lori A. Manns, President of Quality Media Consultant Group www.qualitymediaconsultants.com and Founder of Live Healthy & Thrive Youth Foundation, Inc. www.livehealthyandthriveyouth.org