Women’s History Month; It’s HERstory

What is Women’s History Month and why is it celebrated/important?

In the Middle Ages, contributions made by women were often overlooked or forgotten. Society had decided that women were inferior to men, and were unable to carry out large tasks and work. It wasn’t until the late 19th century and into the 20th century that women began to organize and fight for more rights, such as the right to vote, get an education, and work in all types of jobs. That was when people started acknowledging the extraordinary contributions made by women! Today, many women are being appreciated for their work in the month of March, where we celebrate Women’s History Month. 

Who Are Women Who Were Overlooked?

As we now know, women were treated like they couldn’t accomplish anything significant. However, today, we celebrate them! An example of this is Marie Curie. Marie Curie was a physicist and a chemist who discovered radioactivity, and became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. She was the only person to win two Nobel Prizes in two different fields (physics and chemistry)! Despite her groundbreaking work, she faced discrimination as a woman in a field that was said to only be suitable for men. Her achievements were often foreshadowed by the work of her husband, Pierre Curie, and she had a hard time getting the recognition she deserved in her lifetime. Another display of talent that we now celebrate is Elizabeth Blackwell. She was the first woman to ever get a medical degree, and she is inspiring to all the young women who want to follow the same path! She went on and founded the New York Infirmary for Women and Children, and helped other women pursue a medical profession. She was overlooked because society assumed that only males could be doctors and there was much bias against women in medicine. Although historic women figures like Marie Curie and Elizabeth Blackwell were overlooked, they are now getting the credit they deserve.

How Can We Celebrate?

There are many meaningful and fun ways to celebrate Women’s History Month as middle schoolers! One amazing idea would be to research more about inspirational women who broke boundaries. Another meaningful way to celebrate Women’s History Month is to write thank you notes or letters to women who inspire you in your own life—like teachers, coaches, or family members! Keep in mind that Women's History Month is not just about looking back at the past, but also about recognizing the amazing women who continue to make history every day! Remember, it’s not just history- its HERstory