Women have increased their rights since 1920 when they earned the right to handle all responsibilities and citizenship men were given. The 19th amendment was passed, Aug. 18, 1920, stating, “the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” As the years moved on, women became more and more known and many became famous; this brought us to 1985 when Women’s History Month came to be. 

It started off as a week in March, celebrating women’s rights. Molly Murphy MacGregor was one of the co-founders of the National Women’s History Project, now known as the Women’s History Alliance. In 1978, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women organized a week-long celebration for women’s history. One of the women who helped out with MacGregor was Mary Ruthdotter, who helped to promote awareness about woman’s rights throughout the United States. Alice Paul was the author of a book titled Living the Legacy: The Women’s Rights Movement and published it July 13, 1848, about the movement that went on for women’s rights. The women’s rights movement, also known as the women’s liberation movement, had goals to bring more attention to women and to improve their roles in society. 

This movement lasted from 1848 to 1920, finally giving women more political rights and a bigger place in society. Nowadays, this still affects everyday life, as we now have a female vice president of the United States, and Michigan’s governor is a woman. Women’s History Month is a month to remember how important the movement was, and how hard women fought for freedom and rights. Today, women have more rights and more freedom, giving them more roles in life and making an important change in our world. 

Platforms are using this chance to bring out women and bring attention to women’s awareness. One thing Tiktok is doing is putting the spotlight on female creators. “Throughout March, we’ll unveil a variety of themes programming featuring popular creators, and beloved artists and celebrities who are inspiring powerhouse women,” TikTok owners said, “We’ll also host a special seven-hour TikTok LIVE telethon on International Women’s Day, March 8th, to raise money for organizations that are committed to provided support and resources to help women continue flourishing in their lives.” In addition to their awareness to raise money, this platform is looking to highlight female-owned businesses by creating a new ‘Pass the Mic’ trend; women will share their stories and provide advice for others to help inspire women to build their own success. 

Television networks are also joining in on celebrating Women’s History Month by highlighting their triumphs and life stories. Hulu launched “Made by Her,” which aims to feature a compiled selection of TV Shows and movies both directed and starred in by women, or stories written by women. Following Hulu, Disney+ has created a collection titled “Celebrate Women’s History Month” which features WandaVision and Mulan.

“CBS Evening News with Norah O’Donnell” marks Women’s History Month by continuing Women and The Pandemic. The series follows the long-lasting effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on women, but also shines a light on women’s positive impacts in their local communities. 

Many women in middle and high school today have trouble finding their place in the world as they age and become more involved in society. “I wish the school brought it up, I had no idea,” stated sophomore Sarah Corson. “I feel it’s important to know these things and learn about it.” Many students didn’t know it was Women’s History Month, so it would be amazing to bring our attention to that at least a little during school.