March 1st begins Women’s History Month in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The month is used to highlight the contributions of women to society. Women’s History Month was first celebrated in 1987. “[It] started as Women’s History Week [when] President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8th 1980 as National Women’s History Week” (National Women’s History Museum). There is a multitude of ways that people can celebrate the month, whether it be big or small. Learning the history of women’s rights and being aware of ongoing issues regarding women is a good start. Supporting women-owned businesses, authors, and artists is another way to support women this month if you’re willing to spend money. 

There have been many women throughout history who have contributed greatly to our society. Malala Yousafzai has been fighting for equal education in Pakistan for many years now. At the age of 15, she was shot in the head in retaliation by the Pakistani Taliban. She survived and went on to win a Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 17. She has continued to be an activist and continues to fight for women’s rights in Pakistan. Another woman that has contributed to society is Ida B. Wells. She was an investigative journalist and an early leader in the civil rights movement. She went around the country investigating the lynching of black men and the reasons behind it. She was also one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. 

Throughout our society, women have had a large impact, whether it’s been fighting for the rights of women or speaking out for others. This is why Women’s History Month is important to celebrate. Make sure to thank the women in your life for the things they’ve done and take some time to think about the women that have come before and gotten society to where it is today.