Happy Women’s History Month! In the month of March, we celebrate and acknowledge the women who have helped shape our world, and the many women that have inspired, guided, and nurtured us. Why do we celebrate women’s month? At first, Women’s History Month was just one week of March and President Jimmy Carter is the one who declared it in 1980. For seven years, women were only celebrated for one week in March. After Congress passed Public Law 100-9 that declared March as Women’s History Month every year since 1995 has celebrated March as Women’s History Month. March 8th is known as International Women’s Day, the roots for this day stem back to March 8, 1857. On the day of March 8, 1857, many women from different factories in New York City staged a protest over poor working conditions. All over the world, women are changing the world a little at a time. When you think of a woman who inspires, nurtures, and/or guides you, who comes to mind?

After asking women in a short survey a set of 5 questions:

Who is the most inspiring woman in your life?

What do you enjoy most about being a woman?

What does being a woman mean to you?

Has there ever been a point/time in your life where being a woman wasn’t in your favor? What advice would you give women today?

Many said that their mothers and grandmothers were the most inspiring women in their life. When asked in general most women will list their mothers and grandmothers for their nurturing and inspiring characteristics. Senior Lily Burger said, “My grandma because she is always so knowledgeable and kind to everyone.” In times where women are supposed to be equal to men, many women find themselves having to prove themselves more and work harder for different things. Like senior Emma Eisen said, “I find that being a woman puts me at a disadvantage when it comes to other peoples’ estimations of me. They often underestimate things like my strength or intelligence simply due to the fact that I’m a woman.” What comes to mind when someone asks what being a woman means to you? Some answers are “being both a source of strength and kindness and knowing how to multitask,” for some it may mean “being comfortable in your own body” like Mrs. Mann said. Knowing how to care and be gentle with little kids, knowing how others are feeling, and being a source of comfort for others.

From one woman to another, I leave you with advice from some amazing women in our community:

• “We can do anything we want, no matter what it is, but remember that we are going to have to work harder to accomplish our dreams.” – Sra. Arceo 
• “Learn the difference between being kind and being nice. You don’t always have to be nice, but you should never fail to be kind.” – Mrs. Reed
• “Don’t be afraid to be yourself, you are good enough as you are.” – Lily Burger
• “Never be afraid to stand up for yourself, and never let anyone make you feel less about yourself.” – Dempsey Howicz
• “Love who you are!” – Mrs. Mann
• “Know your own strengths and values and to not let anyone else define who you are.” – Emma Eisen