What is Women’s History Month, and how did it start?
This monthly event began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California, then was executed to “Women’s History Week”. Today, we know the week turned into a whole month from March 1st to March 31st
Why is it important?
Women’s History Month provides every one of us with the opportunity to research, write, share stories & raise awareness of the diversity of women’s experiences & work that still remains to be done to bring about gender equality
Iconic Women to represent Empowerment Against Injustice
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Malala Yosafzai (1997-Present)
Malala is most famous for her childhood activism against Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP’s) restrictions on women and girls having an education.
At age 14, she was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman who thought would stop her, she was transported by aircraft to London to go to the hospital, and luckily she survived after her 10-day coma.
A decade later in 2014, she won the Nobel Peace Prize. And continues to do her work, representing a heroic figure promoting equal rights for women & girls in Pakistan.
2. Toni Morrison (1931-2019)
Toni Morrison was the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. She is also an American activist, awareness for equality and social justice for black women. her novels have earned her countless prestigious awards including the Pulitzer Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama.
The most famous books she has written are:
- The Bluest Eye
- Sula
- Song of Soloman
- Beloved
Morrison’s work continued to influence writers and artists through her focus on African American life and her commentary on race relations.
3. Lilly Ledbetter (1963-Present)
She sued her employer under Title VII, alleging pay discrimination on the basis of her gender. Ledbetter alleged that she consistently received poor reviews from her supervisors, and as a result, she was denied salary raises. She became an outspoken advocate for pay equality & women’s rights. She fought back, making the case that she hadn’t discovered the discrepancy until several years later. Her story caught the attention of Ruth Bader Ginsberg, who helped enact the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, helping employees win pay discrimination claims beyond the six-month period. The act was the first piece of legislation signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2009.
“Equal pay for equal work is a fundamental American principle”
