Linette Garcia | Staff Writer
It is ridiculous to minimize the importance of women’s history to a single month.
As we celebrate the monumental legacies of women who came before us, I wonder why conversations about them abruptly stop the moment we reach the end of March.
Every March I scroll through social media and am overwhelmed by the number of “women’s rights” and “girl boss” posts on my feed. Events are held throughout the month recognizing women throughout the years and taking educational initiatives.
Despite the obvious good this can do, it often feels performative and lacks real action because the same effort isn’t made outside of March.
In recent decades, women have made major strides to establish themselves in places where they were formerly unwanted like universities, politics, hospitals, courtrooms and military services. This opens opportunistic doors for girls like me who wish to find their footing in the world.
Women’s History Month is more than a simple remembrance of the past. It is about acknowledging women’s ongoing accomplishments that will mold our future.
Women have set records in practically every industry and sphere of life, from Rita Moreno, the first Latina to have been awarded an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award, to Kamala Harris, the first female vice president of the United States.
Despite all the notable advancements women have made in history, we should also recognize the obstacles that remain in women’s path today.
Seeing more women in leadership positions, removing the gender wage gap and having affordable health care are goals that have not been fulfilled. With the overturning of Roe v Wade and the dismantling of DEI, women are constantly facing setbacks.
And in a digital age, social media has become concerningly stuck in the past. With influencers like Nick Fuentes creating the infamous “Your body, my choice” speech following President Donald Trump’s reelection, women continue the fight for their reproductive rights.
There is always more to be done to protect women and advance gender equality every day of the year, not just in a month.
Teaching women’s history should take place throughout the year. Incorporating and refocusing conversations about women from marginalized groups to hear their voices is a great place to start.
We need to raise awareness concerning the problems women continuously experience today and have faced for years. While a designated month may be a good start, there is always room for improvement.
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The opinions presented on this page do not represent the views of the PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect the perspectives of contributing writers and/or university community members.
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