The History Of Women's History Month

Considering we're all more than happy to celebrate the silliness of National Pizza Day and National Yarn Day, it's important to take the time to consider the seriousness of some of our more important national observances — like, to acknowledge the people who have made this country what it is today. Particularly the Women's History Month that takes place during March — in fact, it deserves attention now more than ever. One important way to celebrate and observe it is to consider the history of the month, and learn all about how it got its start.

What started out as only a day-long observation focused on women's accomplishments in 1909, was upgraded to a week in 1978, and only became a month-long celebration in 1987.

The significance of women in March dates all the way back to March 1857, when a group of women who were working for a garment factory staged a protest to demand proper pay and a safer work environment. While police quickly broke up the protest, the effort was remembered and revered. Years later, the women came together to create a union and continue to stand up for their rights and respect in the workplace. This was the beginning of the observance of women on a national scale.

But just because in these last 30 years the rights and strides of women have expanded tenfold, we cannot sit back and relax. Now more than ever, Women's History Month is a call to action. It's as much looking to ensure the future as it is to honor the past. While we've fought for so much, our current political climate and the Trump administration is undeniably threatening.

Each year, there's a different theme as determined by the National Women's History Project that encourages us all to consider a different group of hardworking women who have made our lives today easier. In 2016, for instance, it was "Women in Public Service & Government" — in 2017, it's "Women in Labor & Business," which is meant to honor the women who have made changes in the paid labor force and expanded the business world for women to fit into it. Along with a general honoring of women working in that field, there's a handful of women that will be specifically honored for their work, ranging for their work from the early 1900s to present-day.

So, take the time during March to learn all about some of the women whom you can thank for ensuring your future. Go to rallies, go to protests, and join forces with women in your community to ensure the future for the next generation of powerful women.