Dear Year Up, March marks the start of Women’s History Month. In 1981, Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first “Women’s History Week.” In 1987, the National Women’s History Project petitioned Congress to expand the celebration to the entire month of March. To this day, Women’s History Month has been celebrated every March to honor the incredible contributions from women of all backgrounds and ethnicities. From Amelia Earhart, to Abigail Adams to Susan B. Anthony to Rosa Parks, we have witnessed thousands of trailblazing and strong women empower us with their strength and courage. As part of Women’s History month, March 8th of every year has been named International Women’s Day. The day is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the achievements of women throughout history from across the globe. It is a day where women of all backgrounds and cultures band together to empower one another and fight for gender parity and women’s rights.
White women won the right to vote in America in 1920 but BIPOC women were not granted the right to vote for decades longer and we know the fight for the right to vote continues. Women’s political leadership had a transformative role in the upheaval of 2020, with legends like Stacey Abrams and others mobilizing millions of Americans to participate in the fight for racial equity and a more just future for all Americans. Watching our first female Vice President elected into office was a highlight in a year with so many lows. Kamala Harris became the first woman, the first woman of color, the first Black woman, and the first South Asian woman to hold the highest level of an elected official. So many firsts, so many years overdue. I blocked off my calendar to watch her inauguration with my infant twins, looking forward to when I can tell them about the history that occurred in their first year of life.
As we sit in the year 2021, it is remarkable to both see how women have continued to make history by leading and creating worldwide. The last year presented incredible challenges for women but also showcased the resiliency, empathy, and efficacy of women leaders worldwide. The recession caused by the pandemic has been described as a shecession as women, particularly women of color, are disproportionately impacted by the economic fallout of the pandemic. In December 2019, American women held more payroll jobs than men for the first time in history. Decades of gains in women’s employment were wiped out in the last year. While these are sobering statistics, I’m inspired by the leadership demonstrated by women in this crisis and hopeful that the future will be filled many more firsts for women. From the female heads of state who more effectively led their countries in the pandemic to the female leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement, women are making history in countless large and small ways in this tumultuous period that will change the course of history.
As a mother to 3 biracial daughters, a female leader, a descendant of strong women who inspired me with their progress in each generation, I think a great deal about the spaces, platforms and roles that are still not equally occupied by all women. I am hopeful for a future that celebrates the accomplishments and talents of all women. As Malala Yousafzai said, “I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard. … We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” So many incredible women throughout our history have established their stories and now it is our turn to pave the way to empower others until all women are treated as equals to men.
I am proud to be a part of the Year Up movement for a more equitable future for all and look forward to continuing to learn from the many brilliant women in our movement.
Susan
Below are a few links to check out in celebration of Women’s History Month. Please share your favorites on Slack!
– https://www.pbs.org/articles/2020/02/iconic-women-to-celebrate-this-womens-history-month/
– https://www.oprahmag.com/life/g26513857/women-who-changed-the-world/
– https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/29/us/forgotten-womens-history.html
– https://yourdream.liveyourdream.org/2020/02/15-ways-to-celebrate-womens-history-month/
– https://www.fond.co/blog/celebrate-womens-history-month-2020/
Susan M. MurrayNational
Director of Development
Year Up