MARCH is Women’s History Month which is an opportunity to recognize women’s remarkable roles and meritorious contributions throughout humanity’s history.
In recent times, women have emerged as among the world’s strongest leaders. They have proven themselves as individuals who can handle their personal and professional lives in the best possible way. Most women have established themselves socially, politically, and economically, and in almost every field.
We should celebrate these achievements and the countless great women who have fought for freedom and equality.
They include Susan B. Anthony, the most influential organizer of 19th-century women’s movement and a champion for suffrage. She fought tirelessly for the women’s right to vote. She told women at her last convention that “failure is impossible.”
Rosa Parks, the Mother of Civil Rights, refused to stand and give up her seat to a white man. Her act sparked the civil rights movement in America.
Frida Kahlo remains one of the world’s most influential artists while Marie Curie’s contributions in physics and chemistry are still unrivaled.
Elizabeth Blackwell was rejected by 29 medical schools because of her gender, but was finally admitted in 1847 to Geneva Medical College in New York. Because of her hard work and intelligence, she became the first woman to receive a medical degree. She continued fighting for women’s admission to medical schools, and organized female field doctors during the Civil War. Today, women represent close to 70% of the global healthcare workforce.
Amid a pandemic, female nurses and doctors are at the frontline to safeguard public health while risking their own lives. Today they are the backbone of the global response to Covid-19.
We have countless great women who made huge contributions to world history. Their achievements will forever resonate, and they will continue to inspire succeeding generations.
As we honor these women, we should also continue to advocate for women’s rights. In many parts of the world, women and girls still face injustices, violence or lack of opportunity because of gender discrimination. There are 250 million women alive today who were married before their 15th birthday. We should continue to raise awareness about the inequalities and atrocities inflicted on women.
Future generations of women must have an opportunity to fulfill their potential.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we should also reflect and appreciate all the women who are part of our lives. Whatever role we play in today’s society, we can be leaders by serving as an excellent example in what we do. By being successful in what we do, we can inspire and empower women and men worldwide to effect change with confidence and improve our communities.
The writer is a teacher at Northern Marianas International School.
