During the month of March, the UK (among other countries) is dedicated to highlighting the contributions of women to events in history, culture, and society. This coincides with International Women’s Day on 8 March - a focused day to celebrate and recognise women and call people to action on important issues.
It's crucial to learn about the great names in history and the women who have paved the way for gender equality, those who have done significant things despite the odds, and even the women still fighting for their rights in other countries around the world. This recognition of positive role-models will empower young women and girls to believe that they are able to do anything that they desire, and inspire generations to come to emulate the women before us and fight for what's right.
The commemoration of women in history first began in 1978 in California, with a single ‘Women’s History Day’. This event was championed by Gerda Lerner - a historian and women’s history author - and the idea caught on within communities, with schools and organisations using the day to recognise outstanding women.
Within a few years, the event caught enough traction and was recognised by the US President as ‘National Women’s History Week’. In 1987, the National Women’s History Project petitioned parliament and were able to designate the whole month of March to women’s history. Other countries quickly followed suit and the month is now celebrated across the world by the likes of Canada, Australia, and the UK.
The theme for the UK in 2023 is 'Women Who Tell Our Stories'; encouraging people to learn about and recognise a variety of women who have been influential in all forms of media and storytelling. Some prominent names include Elisabeth Welch, the first black broadcaster with her own radio series on the BBC, Margaret Cavendish, a prolific writer who changed conventions for women through her literature discourse, and Martha Gellhorn, a pioneering war correspondent in WWII.
However, it is vital in Women’s History Month to recognise that not all countries have the same rights and equality that we are fortunate enough to have. There is still inequality around the world, spurred by gender-based violence and outdated beliefs that women cannot make their own decisions or livelihoods and are controlled by men.
During this month we need to take inspiration from generations of influential and unapologetic women and call for all women, everywhere, to be free.
Edited by Caitlin Hart.