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Women’s History Month: Five Ways Women Are Changing the World

celebrating women's contributions during women's history month

Although this month is already underway, it’s not too late to join women all over the United States, United Kingdom and Australia in observing Women’s History Month. The 31-day celebration has been set aside to acknowledge and pay tribute to all women for their contributions throughout history and in society at large. Canadians will recognize this time in October.

You may be wondering, “Why do we need to designate a particular month to learn about women?” As recently as the 1970s, women’s history was not a part of American children’s grade school curriculum or recognized by the general public as being an integral part of the country’s overall development.

Fast forward some years later and by 1987 President Ronald Reagan proclaimed that all citizens should esteem the roles women have had in shaping their homes, schools, communities, government and so much more. This since has been an honored tradition by every following president.

Women Are Inspiring Change in the Global Food System, Environmental Conservation and More

Following this year’s theme, “Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics,” I’ve included five ways women of today are making strides in changing the world around them!

  1. Primary Providers of Food: Women are responsible for producing the majority of food for the world’s 925 million hungry people, whether it’s by means of gathering food, firewood, water and cooking. Yet, they are in a continuous struggle to be rewarded equal rights as men to own farmland and access resources. Via Campesina, an union of farmers and food producers from 70 countries, is helping women combat gender inequality by electing them as members of their leadership committees and other global food systems.
  2. Guardians of Mother Earth and her Resources: Many notable women are educating their communities about a host of environmental issues including restoration and conservation efforts and the harmful impacts of pollution to women’s health. The ultimate goal being to prevent further destruction to the planet and its resources.
  3. Be Your Sister’s Keeper (Social Responsibility): It’s not enough to only care for the environment; we also must care for its inhabitants, also known as social responsibility. Crafters and fashionistas are empowering women from some of the poorest regions of the world to financially support themselves and their families by learning jewelry-making and other job skills. When you support organizations like The Nakate Project, you are giving a gift that will continue giving back long after it’s been purchased.
  4. Sustainable Business Leaders: Five of the top chief executive officers in America are women, and they are in charge of leading their companies towards achieving more sustainable business practices. They head up efforts to lower carbon footprints of manufacturing and distribution products, increase the usage of wind power and creating eco-chic fashions. Check out Important Media’s archive of posts featuring female CEOs and their accomplishments here.
  5. Role Models for Future Generations: Together we, both men and women, can teach others the valuable lessons of women’s history by celebrating the special women in our lives like our moms and grandmothers or joining an organization helping women. There are endless ways you can celebrate this month, so get out there and try some today!

Louise Otto (Luise Otto-Peters), a famous German feminist, said “The history of all times, and of today especially, teaches that… women will be forgotten if they forget to think about themselves.” We’d love to hear how you are building a legacy of appreciation, knowledge and respect for all women, especially those who are a part of your life.

Image Credit: Royal Free Archive Centre via photopin cc

One comment
  1. LaQuinta

    This piece is yet one more reason why I visit this blog. I was not even aware that it was women’s history month until I seen thisarticle. It is sad that women are so undervalued in our society and objectified routinely. Everyday, I make an effort to speak words of encouragement and never words of degradation to the women around me. I recognize their undeniable strength to forge their way in our male- dominated society. Once again, awesome blog..def inspired me to continue uplifting other women..

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