Column: Why is Women’s History Month important? Why does it matter?

By Leah Call LIFESTYLES STAFF REPORTER

When I think of womanhood in the context of my own life, I think of long hugs and unwavering support. I think of my mother braiding my hair, relationship advice from my sister and hours-long conversations with my friends. Conversations about the chemistry test that was taken, the new lip gloss that was tried, the person that complimented them in line at Cafe Ibis, the general state of the world and how we’re going to fit into it upon graduating and becoming “real” adults.

When I think of womanhood in the context of the world, I think of women’s marches, flags and signs waving proudly. I think of women holding each other up and I think of the courage it takes to be authentically yourself. I think of all the influential women who have spoken out and advocated for all those past and present who had their voice silenced by the systemic patterns that kept them quiet — women like Susan B. Anthony, Maya Angelou, Marie Curie, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Gloria Steinem, Malala Yousafzai, Serena Williams and countless others throughout history.

This past month, the Washington Post published an article with the headline, “History months celebrate those who have been written out of the story.” It highlights the progress made by and for underrepresented groups in America.

Women’s History Month celebrates the significant progress we have made to have our deserved seat at the table and also to stand in solidarity as we continue on the path toward total equality. There is still work to do. There is work to do for equal treatment of all women — women of color, women in the LGBTQ+ community, transgender women, mothers, daughters, sisters and women in the workplace.

Women’s History Month recognizes the work done by the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920 — which allowed white women the right to vote. Black women were granted the same right in 1965 with the Voting Rights Act. Women’s History Month recognizes women’s right to birth control in 1960, the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and the Violence Against Women Act in 1994, not to mention all the “firsts” we’ve seen — the first woman on the moon, the first woman in Congress, the first woman to fly an airplane, the first female CEO and the first female vice president of the United States. This is all progress I am incredibly grateful for and see the effects of in my own life.

We have made leaps and bounds of progress since the first Women’s Convention in the late 1800s. So, why is Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day important? These are important because despite the bravery and determination women have displayed in history, the goal hasn’t been achieved yet. Women’s History Month is important to commend the progress that has been made as well as forge a path for progress in the future, so one day we can see the first female president or the first female chief justice of the United States.

The wage gap remains with women earning 82 cents for every dollar a man makes as of 2022. Sexual and domestic violence against women remains. With the recent reversal of Roe v. Wade, reproductive rights hang in the balance on a very thin thread. Equal opportunity for women in the workplace leaves much to be desired.

In a study done by the Pew Research Center, it was found that 77% of those who think the country still has work to do think sexual violence and harassment as the current major obstacle when it comes to gender equality. In the same study, it was found that 70% say the feminist movement has played a significant role in advancing gender equality.

Women’s History Month is important because it raises awareness for all the progress that has been made and is a call to action for the work that remains. It’s really only in our recent history that we are getting anywhere near equal treatment, and to stop now would be doing a disservice to all the women out there who have a right to have a seat at the table. We deserve to take up space.

Audrey Flood cohosts the professionally unprofessional show Business Executives alongside fellow girlboss Darcy Ritchie every Monday at noon. Betwixt trying every new Mountain Dew flavor on air, Audrey and Darcy play music themed around different niche life experiences each week. Tune in when you’re in need of a distraction from the Monday blues!

Leah Call is a junior pursuing her degree in print journalism. In her free time, she loves finding new music to jam to and is always on the lookout for the perfect iced chai tea.

— A02395831@usu.edu