Emma Schaible/Fourth Estate
Honoring the women who have shaped history and society
BY STEPHANIE MARTINEZ, STAFF WRITER
As March closes, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the significance of Women’s History Month and the famous figures who have inspired women today. Abigail Adams, Susan B. Anthony and Rosa Parks are major figures but make up a small portion of the women who have impacted history. In today’s society, women have made immense progress stepping into once male-dominated roles including sports, STEM occupations, and the position of CEO.
In 1909, the Socialist Party of America designated Feb. 28 as National Women’s Day in the United States. In 1987, Congress passed a resolution proclaiming March as Women’s History Month.
Holly Mason, associate director of the Women and Gender Studies Program at George Mason, had an interesting take on Women’s History Month, its meaning and what is done to further progress. She mentioned the importance of having a month dedicated to women to show where they can look at their history over time. She said how women have always existed over time, “from oppression to power and in between.”
“To recognize the struggles and challenges. To celebrate the achievements and progress. To appreciate the resilience of women over time in the face of patriarchy, sexism, inequality, and other systems and structures that have subjugated women across the world. To come together in support and community over this history,” Mason said.
With the turn over of many laws and legislations directly impacting women and a more conservative leaning climate, . Mason expressed what the month means to her in the current state of the country.
“In our current political moment where executive orders are aiming to erase commemorations like this, I think it’s even more important that we take the time to recognize the value of women’s contributions in society and the value of women’s lives,” Mason said.
Looking toward the future of women’s rights and gender equality, it is crucial to recognize both the progress and challenges that still lie ahead. While significant strides have been taken to close the gender gap in various spheres of life, the journey is far from over.
“How a woman who exists within two or more identities causes stacked oppression. Those women are going to experience discrimination and hardship more often within our society. So we have to think about where gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, class, religion, and other identity markers may overlap in ways that create less ease for women of color or queer women of color or disabled women, or immigrant women,” Mason said.
According to Kim Parker from the Pew Research Center, 42% of women in the United States say they have faced discrimination on the job because of their gender. Roughly 53% of Black women said they have faced at least one type of discrimination at work. Outside of work discrimination, women also experience pay discrimination. Richard Fry from the Pew Research Center noted that women earn on average 85% of what men earn in 2024.
Additionally, women in STEM and leadership positions are often underrepresented and policies promoting gender equality are essential to support women’s advancement in their participation in the various job markets.
Understanding the broader implications of gender equality, it’s important to consider how policies and executive orders impact gender identity and inclusion.
One of President Trump’s first executive orders, signed during his second-term, prohibits recognition of gender identity different from a person’s assigned sex at birth and has directed federal agencies to not promote gender diversity and inclusion.
The New York Times reported that President Trump’s new administration has flagged hundreds of words to be limited or avoided in government documents. Some of the words include: “women,” “female,” “pregnant,” “feminism,” “gender,” “nonbinary,” “equality” and “breastfeeding.”
Flagging these words has prevented researchers from getting government funding, resulting in delayed medical research on women.
Women’s History Month is not only about recognizing the contributions and historical progress of women but also serving as a reminder that their achievements should be celebrated every day, ensuring their voices are heard and their presence acknowledged year-round.
It’s also a time to celebrate women who have inspired us and encouraged us to move forward. Mason expressed that the women who have impacted her life are her high school English teacher, Nicole Verrone, her wife, Dani, and Harriet Tubman.
The future for women’s rights demands continued dedication, innovative approaches and a collective effort to ensure a world where every woman can thrive without barriers.
By addressing economic disparities, expanding educational opportunities, ensuring access to healthcare, increasing political representation, and embracing technological advancements, a brighter future for women and girls can be paved anywhere.
