It’s March which means its Women’s History month! There is so much to know about us and our origins. Unfortunately, we’re not always taught these lessons in school. There are times when we want to gain the knowledge but don’t know where to look. We’re here to help. In order for you to brush up on your history, we’re here to drop some facts about women!
Did you Know When Women’s History Month Originated?
Women’s month dates all the way back to 1857! On March 8th, 1857, women from different garment and textile factories staged a protest over poor working conditions in New York City. However, the first official women’s month celebration took place in New York City on February 28th, 1909. It was the one-year anniversary of the city’s garment industry strike led by the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union.
Did you Know Women’s History Month did not always last a month?
Originally, there was only a Women’s day, not a month. In 1978, Women’s day turned into Women’s week. And then in 1987, it became Women’s History Month! The first transition happened because an education task force in Sonoma, California wanted to spotlight women’s history that was not being taught in the K-12 curriculum. So, they took it upon themselves to educate children on it for a week.
However, with so many people pushing for there to be a Women’s week in the 80s, President Jimmy Carter finally declared it. By ’86, fourteen states were celebrating Women’s History Month. By 1987, activists succeeded in making March Women’s History Month!
Did you Know Women’s History Month has a Theme?
Every Women’s History Month has a theme! This year it is “Women providing healing, promoting hope.” In 2021, it was, “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to be Silenced.” In 2020 it was “Valiant Women of the Vote.” The themes are in tribute to those who suffered and fought during the Women’s movement. 2022’s theme pays respect to those who suffered and worked on the frontlines during the pandemic.
Did you Know The Battle to Have Women in Power?
The first female state governor was Nellie Tayole Ross. She was elected in Wyoming in 1924. In 1973 Lelia Foley-Davis was elected the mayor of Taft, Oklahoma, making her the first Black woman to become mayor in the United States. Just recently, Kentanji Brown Jackson was the first Black woman to be elected into the Supreme Court. Before that in 2021, Kamala Harris became the first Black and South Asian woman to become Vice President.
Did you Know the Truth behind the 19th Amendment?
The 19th Amendment did not allow ALL women to vote. Unfortunately, the 19th amendment only allowed white women to vote. This meant that Black, Latinx, and Asian American women still did not have the opportunity to vote. But in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act. This act outlawed unfair and unequal strategies that prevented women from voting, such as literacy tests.
Let’s not Forget
As we continue to celebrate Women’s month, let’s not forget those who fought and suffered in order for us to get here. Remember to not only celebrate and value women just in March, but everyday. If you want to find out more about Women’s History and want to test your knowledge take this quiz here.
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