March 12, 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Written by: Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Content warning:<\/strong> this article discusses violence against women<\/p>\n\n\n\n Women have always played a vital role in shaping the world. Despite often being overlooked in historical narratives, women\u2019s contributions have been foundational in politics, culture, science and society. March marks the annual celebration of Women\u2019s History Month and the continuation of defying limitations, overcoming adversity and transforming communities. As we remember the trailblazers who came before, the fight for equality continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the first wave of feminism, women fought for the 19th Amendment \u2014 ensuring the right to vote \u2014 alongside the right to education, the right to own property and the right to be legally recognized as independent people instead of property. Although the first wave is mainly remembered for its fight to vote, this period in time encapsulated challenging societal norms and breaking free from rigid domestic spheres. It took time for women\u2019s voices to finally be heard in meaningful ways, but it was crucial for gender equality. Some notable first wave activist women included Susan B. Anthony, Emmeline Pankhurst, Sojourner Truth, Margaret Sanger, Jeannette Rankin, Maria Stewart, Dr. Mabel Ping-Hua Lee and Frances E.W. Harper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the second wave of feminism, Title VII \u2014 which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in employment \u2014 and Title IX \u2014 which prohibits sex-based discrimination in education \u2014 were passed in the \u201860s and \u201870s. The National Organization of Women was created in 1966, aiming to make women\u2019s participation possible in all aspects of American life and to gain all the rights enjoyed by men. During this time, women couldn\u2019t open credit cards in their own names \u2014 separate from their husbands \u2014 until 1974. Many of the modern day stereotypes of feminists \u2014 anti-family, bra burners, butch, lesbians and man-haters \u2014 come from the second wave. There were other protests and conversations regarding race, equal pay, abortion, birth control and other reproductive rights. Some influential women from the second wave included Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, Kate Millett and Jane Fonda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The third wave of feminism focused on inclusion \u2014 which was what the previous waves struggled with \u2014 and recognizing that oppression can take many forms and will affect different people in different ways. During the \u201890s, society saw the rise of both \u201cgirly feminism,\u201d or \u201clipstick feminism,\u201d and \u201cgrrrl power.\u201d This type focused on the belief that women can be feminists and still embrace their femininity. Grrrl power is also known as feminist punk bands that began in the PNW. This radical movement combined feminism, punk, music and politics, with the goal of challenging patriarchal standards. This wave focused on empowering women by acknowledging that, when one is free to choose their own path, their choice is a valid expression of one\u2019s values and desires as a woman. Some important women during this time include Anita Hill, the Guerrilla Girls, Bikini Kill, Madonna, Queen Latifah, the American Girl dolls and Mary J. Blige. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We are considered to be in the fourth wave of feminism. A consistent concern throughout the waves is access to reproductive healthcare. Some of the most notable events in the fourth wave include the 2004 March for Women\u2019s Lives, the #MeToo movement \u2014 a way for young women of color to share their stories, specifically to promote the idea of \u201cempowerment through empathy,\u201d TIME\u2019S UP organization \u2014 the take back the workplace protest \u2014 and \u201cenough is enough,\u201d where women insist upon a world where work is safe, fair and dignified for all kinds of people. The biggest protest happened Jan. 19, 2017: the Women\u2019s March on Washington. This was the largest single day protest in U.S. history, with an estimated 3.3-5 million protesters nationwide. This march included many other issues \u2014 racial equity, immigration reform, reproductive rights, the environment and LGBTQ rights. Influential women and advocates are Madeleine Albright, Tarana Burke, Alyssa Milano, Kamala Harris and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The fight for women\u2019s rights and respect continues. A huge issue in society is widespread gender-based violence. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking, one in three women have experienced rape, physical violence and\/or stalking and one in six college women have been sexually abused in a relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are other frightening statistics, but work is being done through education and legislation. The Violence Against Women Act provides housing protections for those who\u2019ve experienced domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking to keep them safe and reduce the likelihood of experiencing homelessness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many other problems, including a persistent gender pay gap, a lack of representation of women in leadership positions, limitations on reproductive rights, societal pressures around gender roles and equal access to education and healthcare \u2014 particularly in marginalized communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some suggestions on how to participate in celebrating Women\u2019s History Month:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn about notable women in history \u2014<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Read books \u2014 <\/strong>\u201cThe Radium Girls,\u201d \u201cI Am Malala,\u201d \u201cFeminism Is for Everybody,\u201d \u201cA Black Women\u2019s History of the United States,\u201d \u201cHidden Figures,\u201d \u201cShe Persisted,\u201d \u201cThe Joy Luck Club\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Movies \u2014<\/strong> \u201cRespect,\u201d \u201cGirlfriends,\u201d \u201c9 to 5,\u201d \u201cThelma and Louise,\u201d \u201cA League of Their Own,\u201d \u201cErin Brockovich,\u201d \u201cBrave,\u201d \u201cPromising Young Woman,\u201d \u201cThe Eyes of Tammy Faye,\u201d \u201cThe Color Purple,\u201d \u201cFrida,\u201d \u201cMona Lisa Smile\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Support women-owned business \u2014 <\/strong>Donate to organizations that empower women and help support women in business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Volunteer for women\u2019s causes \u2014 <\/strong>Women\u2019s shelters or organizations that focus on the empowerment of women and donate to women\u2019s health organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Celebrate women in your life \u2014 <\/strong>Personal celebrations can be as meaningful as public ones, like writing a letter or sending a card to women who\u2019ve made a positive impact on one\u2019s life, like family, friends, mentors or colleagues. Host a celebration or gathering with women who inspire you, such as lunch or coffee. Express appreciation for women in the workplace or community who are often behind the scenes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Celebrating the intersectionality of women <\/strong>\u2014 <\/strong>Supporting intersectional feminist organizations that advocate for causes such as the rights of women of color, LGBTQ+ women and disabled women; reading works by women from diverse backgrounds to better understand the unique challenges they face; listening to voices from marginalized communities and making sure that their stories are part of the conversation during Women\u2019s History Month are all great steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At times it can be exhausting just being a woman. America Ferrera said it best, \u201cIt is literally impossible to be a woman. \u2026 We have to always be extraordinary, but somehow we\u2019re always doing it wrong.\u201d There are so many contradictory expectations for being a woman, which results in feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. In a world full of men, women just want to exist without being leered at, talked down to, cat-called, objectified, harassed, assaulted, raped, murdered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Celebrating Women\u2019s History Month is about more than just acknowledging the past \u2014 it\u2019s about inspiring the present and future. As we continue to break down societal barriers, the stories of women serve as a powerful reminder of strength, resilience and the ongoing pursuit of equality. By reflecting on the progress made and acknowledging the work that\u2019s yet to come, we can ensure that Women\u2019s History Month has a lasting impact beyond just one month of recognition. Any student needing extra support or resources should check out the Abby\u2019s House, Center for Equity & Gender Justice; The Student Health and Counseling Center and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" March 12, 2025 Written by: Isabelle Jones | Lifestyle Editor Content warning: this article discusses violence against women Women have always played a vital role in shaping the world. Despite often being overlooked in historical narratives, women\u2019s contributions have been foundational in politics, culture, science and society. 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