Tag Archives: National Women’s History Project

Women’s History Month 2013: Celebrating Women in Science, Tech & More

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Each March, Women’s History Month is sponsored by the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Park Service and more. This year’s theme is “Women Inspiring Innovation through Imagination,” which specifically honors women who have made contributions to science, technology, engineering and mathematics throughout history.

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Women’s history has been celebrated in America since 1981. At the time, a week was designated to this awareness initiative. Then, in 1987, congress designated the entire month of March as “Women’s History Month.”

Eighteen women were chosen as 2013 honorees. According to the National Women’s History Project (NWHP), they ”represent a remarkable range of accomplishments and a wide diversity of specialties including medicine, robotics, computer programming, atmospheric chemistry, architecture and primatology.” They include (but are not limited to):

  • Hattie Elizabeth Alexander, pediatrician and microbiologist
  • Katharine Burr Blodgett, physicist and inventor
  • Rita R. Colwell, molecular microbial ecologist and scientific administrator
  • Dian Fossey, primatologist and naturalist
  • Julia Morgan, architect

Their work spans centuries, but each of these women is an inspiration.

The NWHP has created a brochure to help spread the word about National Women’s History Month this March. Alternatively, consider handing out Women’s History Month gifts at your store or in your community.

Pay Tribute to Influential Women this March

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Think for a moment about all the women in your life and how much of a difference they’ve made.  Now imagine that females are not acknowledged for their accomplishments, achievements, and successes.  For the most part, that unfair world was a reality until 1978 when the first Women’s History Week was introduced to the United States.

Sojourner Truth

Now fast forward to 1987.  In that year, the well-received, week-long women’s history event was expanded by Congress.  Since then, the National Women’s History Month resolution has been reapproved each year.  The goal of the nationwide initiative is to pay tribute to “generations of women whose commitment to nature and the planet have proved invaluable to society.”  Finally, notable women in U.S. history, including influential ladies like Sojourner Truth and Hillary Clinton, receive the respect and recognition they deserve.

National Women’s History Month is celebrated every March in America.  The National Women’s History Project (NWHP) reports that this year’s theme is “Women’s Education — Women’s Empowerment.”  The idea sheds light on the fact that for quite some time, women were only expected to “nurture the minds and bodies of the (male) citizens and leaders.”  However, by 1977, gender discrimination was no longer legal in federally funded schools.  Women were at last given the chance to receive scholarships, attended classes, and more.

Why should you observe National Women’s History Month?  According to NWHP,

“The stories of women’s achievements are integral to the fabric of our history. Learning about women’s tenacity, courage, and creativity throughout the centuries is a tremendous source of strength. Knowing women’s stories provides essential role models for everyone. And role models are genuinely needed to face the extraordinary changes and unrelenting challenges of the 21st century. National Women’s History Month, designated by Joint Resolutions of the House and Senate and Proclamations by six American Presidents, is an opportunity to learn about and honor women’s achievements today and throughout history.”

There are many ways to celebrate the national observance, from printing and distributing 2012 Women’s History Month brochures to taking the Women’s History Month quiz.  You can write a blog, send a Tweet, and even post a Facebook status regarding the awareness event, as well.  And one of the best ways to make a memorable impression is to hand out Women’s History Month giveaways at schools or around the office.  Whatever you choose to do, your contribution will help ensure that more people learn about how hard women have worked throughout history to be seen and heard.