In 1987, due to being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress declared
March to be National Women’s History Month. Set apart from other months to honor feminism
and the accomplishments of girls everywhere, March offers a great learning opportunity for us
all. May we never forget what some of the greatest women of all time have taught us.
Lesson number one is feminism itself. It’s important to understand that feminism is not about
thinking that women are better than men or about hating men. Feminism is about equality across
the spectrum. The feminine root of the word exists purely because it was women who not only
started the movement but who were also at the initial disadvantage. As the co-editor of an
international women’s encyclopedia, Cheris Kramarae said, “Feminism is the radical notion that
women are human beings.”
Lesson number two is that despite this article’s spin on two well-known adages, women’s
actions and words should be respected as if you had to walk a mile in her shoes, no matter what
kind of shoes they are. That’s a metaphor, of course. The bottom line is that a woman is a woman
if she says she is, and she doesn’t need to fit any standards. Above all, all women deserve
respect. As Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel, pioneering French fashion designer said, “A girl
should be two things; who and what she wants.”
Lesson number three is that girls can, have, and will accomplish things no matter what. Just
like men, women are strong and capable. From Amelia Earhart to Queen Elizabeth II, to Billie
Jean King, to Malala Yousafzai, it’s been proven time and time again that girls make strides in
history for all of us. As Victoria Woodhull, the first female presidential candidate said, "I
endeavor to make the most of everything.”