March brings focus to women’s history
Public domain graphic from Wikimedia Commons
Elise Wilke-Grimm News/Opinion Editor Women’s History Month went on throughout March in order to celebrate the accomplishments of important women throughout history. One thing to look back on is something that happened about 100 years ago. Women were approved for voting rights per the 19th Amendment which states, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” Archives.gov writes, “Beginning in the mid19th century, several generations of woman suffrage supporters lectured, wrote, marched, lobbied, and practiced civil disobedience to achieve what many Americans considered a radical change in the Constitution – guaranteeing women the right to vote. Some suffragists used more confrontational tactics such as picketing, silent vigils, and hunger strikes.” Celebrating WHM encourages students to learn more about the history of American women. It is a time to honor the accomplishments women have made and it is a time to bring light to certain circumstances that still occur today. For example, a study surfaced in the beginning of March that stated 97% of women have been sexually harassed with-
in their life. Senior Ada Foley reflects on the importance of appreciation of women and the growth that has been achieved within America. “It’s also important to consider the growth that we still need to achieve and reflect on what being a woman means today,” Foley said. Junior Olivia Nennert is a co-leader of Feminist Coalition which fights for equal
has been made. Throughout Foley’s time spent on the Feminist Coalition she has learned a lot, this makes her want to encourage other students to become as open to learning as possible especially throughout WHM. “I have been enjoying the flood of stories getting shared this month. There are so many wonderful pieces of history being shared this month. [I encourage] people to just be open to absorbing it, and to [sympathize with] the experiences people are sharing,” Foley said. Senior Sarah Kaul, co-leader of Feminist Coalition, agreed with Nennert on how there is not enough being taught to the youth about the prominent women figures throughout history. Junior Camille Herrman is a member of FemCo, and she looks up to women figures like Frances Baker, Eliza Hamilton, Angelica Schuyler, Mary Magdalene, Saint Mary, Sacagawea, Cleopatra, Malala Yousafzai and Ruth Bader Ginsburg “There’s so many but those are some off of the top of my head,” Herrman said. “Women’s History Month means that it’s time to recognize the lives and accomplishments of women throughout history and understand that we would not be where we are today without these women. Because of how little information we learn in school about women, it’s especially important to honor impactful women figures,” Kaul said.
“Often in history classes we only learn about male history, so it’s nice to have so much women’s history that is prominent during the month” --Junior Olivia Nennert
April 2021 | Feature
rights and conversates about the injustices that still occur within society. Nennert is passionate about spreading awareness of women’s history which is why this month is so important to her. “Often in history classes we only learn about male history, so it’s nice to have so much women’s history that is prominent during the month,” Nennert said. Education of U.S. history and the important milestones women have accomplished are the main reason why people celebrate WHM. There are people who are left unaware of the progress women have made to get the U.S. where it is today, and though there are steps that still need to be taken in order to better the country WHM has helped to spread awareness of all the progress that
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