Women’s History has been celebrated in the United States since 1980 when President Jimmy Carter declared National Women’s History Week. In 1987, Congress designated March as Women’s History Month.
This year, the month’s theme has been “Moving Forward Together! Women Education and Inspiring Generations.”
Charity Lyon, an adjunct speech teacher at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, said it is important to remember women’s history.
“Women are created unique and bring gifts, talents, and abilities to the world that add so much depth and beauty,” she said. “Women have contributed to history an immeasurable amount, both behind the scenes and as innovators at the forefront. No matter the types of contributions women make, whether it’s staying at home and raising children or leading in the workforce, women share important aspects men are not designed to contribute. So recognizing women and encouraging them to be who they were created to be, no matter what that looks like, encourages other women to build on the foundation of those before them and all humanity to appreciate how valuable women are. Our world would be a much less interesting and beautiful place without women.”
Lyon also pointed to a quote by singer-songwriter Stevie Nicks that sums up the challenges women face in getting the recognition they deserve: “When you grow up as a girl, the world tells you all things that you are supposed to be: emotional, loving, beautiful, wanted. And then when you are those things, the world tells you they are inferior: illogical, weak, vain, empty.”
Dr. Roger Hardaway, a history professor at NWOSU since 1990, said: “I think the history of anyone is important. Since women make up more than half of the population of the United States, we should recognize the contributions women have made to U.S. history and not ignore them.”
Harmonie Hughes, an elementary education major, also said women’s history should have the status it deserves.
“Women’s history is important because it recognizes the hard work of women, inspires future generations and promotes equality,” she said. “It helps us understand the past more and reminds us of the progress made and the work still needed for gender fairness.”
The official proclamation declaring Women’s History Month, signed by President Donald Trump on March 6, says this designation for March is to “honor American women from all generations and all backgrounds who have been integral to our prosperity and productivity, and who has made an indelible mark on the soul and heartbeat of our nation.”
Trump specifically touted the “brilliant and talented female trailblazers” in his administration who are leaders in many areas such as business, foreign and domestic policy, and national security.
“Today and every day, America’s daughters ignite the dreams and develop the character of our next generation. Their contributions to America’s excellence are worthy of praise and recognition, now and forever. … I call on all Americans to celebrate the exceptional women in their lives and around our country,” the proclamation concludes. — Tra’von Johns contributed to this story