The symbol of the feminist movement - wikipedia
With the world’s state of chaos, the usual coverage of Women’s History Month has been sparse. Although this event is not the most important issue today, it still deserves a moment’s contemplation. Rather than generate a list of outstanding females, let’s instead explore why Women’s History Month began and how come it still exists today.
The first official recognition of women’s contributions to society began in Europe, with International Women’s Day on March 8, 1911. At this time, American suffragettes were still battling Congress for basic voting rights, which they did not gain for eight more years. Women gained voting rights 92 years ago-- not long in the grand scheme of American history. In this time though, women advanced to a theoretically equal position in society. If this is the case and women possess full equality, then Women’s History Month should not be necessary.
When asked about Black History Month, actor Morgan Freeman spoke against the concept. He felt the month of “recognition” marginalized African Americans’ contributions to America by suggesting all achievements from this group could be summed up within a month’s time.
Women’s History Month encounters a similar problem. There should be no need to devote a month to all the accomplishments of one demographic because, frankly, it lessens the daily impact of women's’ influence on history. Rather than separating all of “herstory” into one month, it should be celebrated as the rest of history, and treated no different than the historical accomplishments of men.
Hopefully a day will come when women no longer need a special month of recognition.