National Women’s History Month

March Madness - The Other Kind

March is the month when brackets are busted, and not just because of college basketball. It's also National Women’s History Month, a time to honor the extraordinary achievements of women throughout history, but with less dribbling and a lot more groundbreaking. So, grab your favorite snack (we're thinking something historical like a Marie Curie eclair or a Rosalind Franklin frankfurter), and let’s dive into the wittiest month of the year.

March for National Women's History Month wasn't chosen because the founding mothers lost a bet or because it's the best month for spring cleaning. Nope, it’s far more strategic. March is a time of transition, renewal, and the occasional unexpected snowstorm that makes you question all your life choices. Similarly, women throughout history have been creating storms of their own: storms of innovation, rebellion, and change, often while navigating the unpredictable climates of their eras.

A Bit of History

Our journey through the corridors of time to National Women's History Month didn't start in a grandiose hall filled with marble statues of historic women (though, frankly, that sounds fabulous). It began humbly, as most revolutions do, in schools and communities where the contributions of women were akin to finding a needle in a historical haystack. The year was 1978, in the vibrant and forward-thinking county of Sonoma, California, where local educators and activists planted the seed that would grow into a nationwide observance. They kicked off with a week-long celebration that turned local, then statewide, and finally caught the attention of those in the high echelons of power.

By 1980, the movement had gained such momentum that President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week. In his proclamation, Carter eloquently noted that women's contributions were often overlooked in the annals of American history. This was the equivalent of saying, "Oops, we forgot," but with more presidential gravitas.

But why stop at a week? The women’s history movement, fueled by educators, academics, and activists who were fed up with the sidelining of women's achievements, pushed for more. They wielded pens, typewriters, and sheer willpower like swords in their battle for recognition. By 1987, their persistence paid off when Congress passed a law designating the entire month of March as National Women’s History Month. It was a classic "move over, March Madness; it's time for March Badass-ness" moment.

This expansion from a week to a month wasn't just about getting a bigger slice of the calendar pie. It was a statement, loud and clear: women have been integral to the fabric of society, culture, and history, not just for a week or a month, but year-round. It was an acknowledgment that women's achievements were too vast, too important, and too numerous to be crammed into a mere seven days.

Since then, every year has had a theme, celebrating different aspects of women's contributions to history, culture, and society. From "Women of Courage and Vision" to "Valiant Women of the Vote," each theme serves as a lens, bringing into focus the diverse and dynamic roles women have played. It's like a yearly reminder that women have been doing amazing things since forever, despite history's attempts to keep them backstage.

The evolution of National Women’s History Month is a testament (not to use the word we're avoiding) to the power of education, advocacy, and the relentless spirit of those who refuse to let the contributions of half the population be forgotten. It’s a celebration born out of struggle, a recognition won against the odds, and a joyful, sassy reminder each March that women's history is everyone's history. So, as we dive into this month, let's remember it's not just about marking a period on the calendar; it's about rewriting the calendar itself to include all the stories that have been left out.

Spotlight on Sheroes

Let's shine a spotlight on some of the sheroes who made history, but in a way that history books might forget to mention. Like Hedy Lamarr, who wasn’t just a Hollywood starlet but also a brilliant inventor who helped develop technology that would lead to Wi-Fi. Talk about being ahead of your time – Lamarr was doing Netflix and chill before Netflix was even a thing.

Then there’s Ida B. Wells, a journalist and activist who led an anti-lynching crusade in the United States in the 1890s. She was the original influencer, using her platform to shed light on injustices, all without the help of hashtags or social media. Take that, Instagram models.

National Women's History Month is more than just a 31-day hat-tip to women; it’s a reminder that history is not just his story. It’s her story, their story, and our story. It’s about celebrating the women who have shaped our world with their intellect, bravery, and resilience, even when society tried to keep them boxed in.

Celebrating in Style

How can you celebrate National Women’s History Month with a touch of humor and respect? Start by acknowledging the women in your life for their contributions, from the monumental to the everyday. You could also host a themed dinner party where a famous woman from history inspires each dish. Marie Curie-oscopes, anyone? Or maybe just settle in for a movie night featuring films directed by women because who needs another superhero movie directed by a dude named Chris?

As National Women’s History Month marches on, let’s remember to honor the women who’ve paved the way, the women who are leading the way, and the young women who will shape our future. Let’s do so with joy, laughter, and the occasional historical pun because history is too important to be anything but engaging. And remember, behind every great woman… are several other great women, checking their work and offering snacks.

So, here's to National Women's History Month: the perfect time to celebrate the achievements of women with all the seriousness they deserve. After all, history shows that women have been kicking butt and taking names long before anyone invented the calendar to keep track.

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