Women’s History Month was celebrated in the month of March, and many women spent the month learning and appreciating the struggles of women throughout history.

¨In the 70s, an adult woman could not get a doctor’s appointment without a father or husband’s consent, wages were lower for the same position, and I was not allowed to apply for a mortgage on my own. In many ways, things have improved, especially in fields of education available to women, but there are still inequities of course,¨ said orchestra teacher Karey Sitzler. ¨It is not that women in history are more significant than men, but for generations, we only studied the history of men. I think specific months can help to make up for some of the voids in what people have studied to this point.¨

Women’s History Month started as just a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California.

It was first called ¨Women’s History Week¨ as a weekly celebration in 1978. This week was first created in order to generate support for Title IX, which prohibited discrimination related to gender federally funded education programs. This week evolved into Women’s History Month.  

¨When I was in middle school, I had to play on the boys soccer team because there wasn’t a girls team. I was the only girl. Many girls and women don’t understand the struggles because they were in the past,” said soccer coach Christine Thornton. “I know there are still some differences in gender and equality such as pay and especially in sports like women’s soccer vs. men’s soccer. I think bringing recognition to the struggles will make more people respect and appreciate the equity that we have now.¨ 

Over time, women have made extraordinary contributions to society. Women who have impacted the world in one or even numerous ways include Harriet Tubman, Amelia Earhart, Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Thatcher, Rosie the Riveter, and Betty Freidan. Too many to mention, it will take years to unpack the successes of women’s efforts from the past, present, and future. 

¨Women do deserve a whole month because of how far we have come from being dependent on men, and now people see many strong women inspiring others,¨ said sophomore Abby Fuqua.