Women Who Have Defined Generations!

We are coming to the end of Woman’s History month and I want to ask, how many of you knew it was Woman’s history month? Being a woman and one that is supportive of women’s expansive roles in society, informed on current affairs and politics was not aware that it was Woman’s History month! 

I find it interesting that this was the case, therefore I draw two conclusions; the first, society’s dynamics a whole minimizes the importance of woman’s social, economic, politic, and work place advancements, as well as development of strong and independent women. Due to the fact that is still a man’s world and they are reluctant to share it? Or secondly, that we have become such a consumer driven society that we have lost sight of what matters and have forgotten the struggles and sacrifices of the previous generations. Therefore taking for granted the freedoms and opportunities we have today?  Whatever it may be, I want to take the time to bring attention to the amazing women that have defined several generations and will hopefully define several future generations to come.

Sewing Stars on Suffrage Flag

Women’s History Month

The origins of Women’s History Month much like woman’s struggle throughout history was a process. It began as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week."  Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as "Women’s History Week."  In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month."  Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month.  Since 1995, Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” 

Women’s Education-Women’s Empowerment

In celebration of  Women’s  History Month, the Library of Congress, National Achieves and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum are coming together to pay tribute to the women who believed in their dreams, doing the impossible, and breaking the boundaries of their generation. The women that contributed everything they are and proven to be invaluable to society.  In honor of this, this year theme is women’s education-women’s empowerment.  Here are some of the many women that have contributed to women’s empowerment:

Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) campaigned against slavery and for the promotion of women’s and workers’ rights. She began campaigning within the temperance movement and this convinced her of the necessity for women to have the vote. She toured the US giving countless speeches on the subjects of human rights.

Emily Dickinson (1830 – 1886) one of America’s greatest poets lived most of her life in seclusion. Her poems were published posthumously and received widespread literary praise for their bold and unconventional style. Her poetic style left a significant legacy on 20th Century poetry.

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) the wife and political aide to President F.D.Roosevelt , in her own right made a significant contribution to the field of human rights.  A topic she campaigned upon throughout her life. As head of UN human rights commission she helped to draft the 1948 UN declaration of human rights.

Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986) one of the leading existentialist philosophers of the Twentieth Century, developed a close personal and intellectual relationship with Jean Paul Satre. Her book “The Second Sex” depicted the traditions of sexism that dominated society and history. The book was received to both intense praise and criticism. It was a defining book for the feminist movement.

Margaret Thatcher (1925 - present) the first female Prime minister of Great Britain, Mrs. Thatcher defined a decade. In particular she is remembered for her emphasis on individual responsibility and belief in free markets.

Take this moment to show tribute to these women and learn about women's tenacity, courage, and creativity throughout the centuries. Who are your role models past and present and what your wishes for the future?

Women’s Education – Empowerment - Magic of the Washing Machine!

2012 National Women’s History Month Theme: Women’s Education – Women’s Empowerment. To learn more go to Womens History Month . What was the greatest invention of the industrial revolution? Hans Rosling makes the case for the washing machine.

What are some thoughts or ideas we can do to encourage young women to continue to break social, political or economical boundaries? Wishes for Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives.

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Comments

[eA]

Thanks for the post, I too was not aware of the Women's History Month. This partly makes me feel ashamed as a woman who feels that she's connected and has a clue. I love reading about our ‘Founding Mother’s,’ sacrifices and their steely convictions. There are few finer word-smith’s that Ms. Roosevelt. One of my apt favorites: “A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.”