24
CONVERSATIONS
Celebrating Women’s History Beyond March BY VICTORIA FALK
T
hroughout early American history, women were treated as secondclass citizens – "the weaker sex." It was commonplace for women to be either ignored, abused, and mistreated and denied the same fundamental rights afforded men. Traditionally it was thought that "the women's place was in the home," and "women were to be seen and not heard." It was not until August 18, 1920, with the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, that women finally received the right to vote. Although that was a great victory after a nearly 100-year battle for voting rights, the struggle continues to this date for true inclusion and equality for women in our male-dominated American society. Thus, there was a need to recognize and highlight the contributions made by women to American society. The monthlong celebration of women's accomplishments began as a mere week-long celebration. In 1981, Congress passed a law encouraging the national celebration of Women's History Week during the week starting March 7, 1982. Each of the following years, the nation recognized
Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris takes the Oath of Office on the platform of the U.S. Capitol during the 59th Presidential Inauguration Editorial credit: BiksuTong / Shutterstock.com
Women's History Week until 1987, when the National Women's History Project pushed Congress to pass a law designating March 1 to March 31 as Women's History Month. From then on, each year, the month of March has been recognized as Women's History Month. During this month of March, women's contributions, which have traditionally been ignored and overlooked, are
brought to the forefront and celebrated. This has been a time to acknowledge women in general and honor specific women who have gone above and beyond in leadership, politics, business, the arts, and other fields. As we take time to reflect upon women's contributions, we must remember to thank all women. Women such as female doctors, nurses, police officers, teachers, child-care providers, grocery store workers, and others who have worked hard during this pandemic to ensure that life and business continue to function as orderly as possible, as we find ways to adjust during these unprecedented times. Let us also acknowledge those powerhouse women, the trailblazers, the change-makers who are making history: 1. Kamala D. Harris, born to a Jamaican father and South Asian mother, is the first-ever female Vice-President of the United States. 2. Debra Anne Haaland is the first Native American woman elected to Congress. 3. Rita Moreno is the highest acclaimed Latina actress, having won a Grammy, Oscar, Emmy, and Tony award. 4. Letitia James is the first woman of color to hold statewide office in New
York and the first woman to be elected Attorney General. 5. Patrice Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Opal Tometi, co-founders of the Black Lives Matter. The movement is now an international social movement. We recognize these women mentioned above and acknowledge there are far too many women doing great things in our society to say within the space of this short article. However, we take this time to remind America that the fight is not over. Until Americans find ways to protect all women from unwanted sexual advances at work, make allowances for equal pay, put an end to human sex-trafficking, and protect women from genital mutilation, the struggle is not over. Women's History Month is an excellent time to shed light on these long-standing, problematic issues and search for solutions. As we wind down Women's History Month celebrations, let us continue conversations about women's rights and accomplishments throughout the year. America came a long way in adopting a designated month where we recognize and celebrate women's achievements. However, we still have a long way to go as a country.l
Looking to make extra cash? A side hustle?
26 Court Street, Suite 701, Downtown Brooklyn
We are looking for persons to sell advertisements in our newspapers. Experience in advertising sales is needed and preferably experience or a sincere interest in marketing.
Interested? Send your resume to info@myiqinc.com VISIT WWW.CAWNYC.COM FOR THE LATEST CARIBBEAN NEWS, IMMIGRATION UPDATES, VIEWPOINTS, ENTERTAINMENT & MORE! LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @CAWNYC!
