From Suffrage to Activism: The Inspiring Women of Women's History Month

March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of women throughout history. It's also a time to acknowledge the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the need to continue fighting for women's rights. Women's History Month dates back to the early 1980s when a group of women in California organized a week-long celebration to coincide with International Women's Day. In 1987, Congress declared March as Women's History Month, making it a nationally recognized event.

Throughout history, women have made significant contributions to society, often in the face of tremendous obstacles. Women have been at the forefront of social and political change, from the Suffragettes who fought for the right to vote to the Civil Rights activists who championed equal rights. We celebrate and honor the brave women who fought for women everywhere. Here are a few of the most notable women:

Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman was a brave abolitionist and political activist whose contributions to women's history have been immeasurable. Born into slavery in Maryland, Tubman escaped to freedom in the north and subsequently became one of the most successful conductors of the Underground Railroad, leading hundreds of enslaved people to freedom. During the Civil War, Tubman served as a nurse, cook, and spy for the Union Army, using her knowledge of the South and her mastery of disguise to help enslaved people escape to freedom. After the war, Tubman continued her work as an activist and suffragist, fighting for the rights of women and people of color. Tubman's bravery and perseverance in the face of incredible adversity have inspired generations of women and activists worldwide.

Susan B. Anthony & Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton were two of the most prominent figures in the women's suffrage movement in the United States, making significant contributions to women's history. Susan B. Anthony fought tirelessly for women's suffrage. Born in 1820, Anthony devoted her life to fighting for women's rights, including voting rights. In 1869, she and Elizabeth Cady Stanton founded the National Woman Suffrage Association, which later became the National American Woman Suffrage Association. Through their efforts, the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote, was ratified in 1920.

Ada Lovelace

Ada Lovelace is regarded as the world's first computer programmer, and her contributions to women's history have been immeasurable. Lovelace was a mathematician and writer who worked closely with Charles Babbage, the inventor of the first mechanical computer, and developed the first algorithm to be carried out by a machine. She recognized that the machine could be used for more than simple calculations and envisioned its potential for creating complex and beautiful works of art. Lovelace's groundbreaking work paved the way for modern computing and helped establish the computer science field. Her legacy has inspired countless women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It has helped to break down the barriers historically preventing women from fully participating in these fields. Lovelace's contributions to women's history are a powerful reminder of women's immense potential to shape the world through innovation, creativity, and determination.

 Marie Curie

Marie Curie was a pioneering scientist and the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, making significant contributions to women's history. Curie's groundbreaking work in radioactivity revolutionized the study of physics and chemistry, leading to significant advancements in medicine, industry, and technology. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice as a woman in the male-dominated scientific community, Curie's persistence and dedication to her work earned her international recognition and acclaim. Curie's legacy continues to inspire women worldwide to pursue careers in science and challenge the gender biases that continue to limit women's opportunities in the field.

Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks is a civil rights icon whose contributions to women's history cannot be overstated. In 1955, Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus to a white passenger, sparking a mass boycott of the city's segregated buses and becoming a symbol of the struggle for civil rights. Her act of defiance inspired countless others to stand up against the systemic racism and discrimination that pervaded American society and helped to galvanize the civil rights movement. Parks continued to work for justice throughout her life, fighting for voting rights and the end of segregation in all aspects of life. Her legacy has become a rallying cry for those who seek to challenge systems of oppression and inequality, and her work continues to inspire generations of women and activists around the world.

Gloria Steinem

Gloria Steinem is a feminist icon, and activist whose contributions to women's history have been immeasurable. Steinem was a leading voice in the feminist movement of the 1960s and 1970s, advocating for gender equality and reproductive rights and working to dismantle systems of oppression and inequality. She co-founded Ms. Magazine, a cornerstone of the feminist movement, and has continued to be a powerful voice for women's rights throughout her career. Steinem's tireless work has helped raise awareness of women's issues and inspired countless individuals to stand up for justice and equality.

Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm was an American politician, educator, and author who significantly influenced women's history. In 1968, she became the first African American woman to be elected to the United States Congress, where she served for seven terms. Chisholm was a vocal advocate for women's rights and was instrumental in passing the Equal Rights Amendment in 1972. She was also a co-founder of the National Women's Political Caucus and worked tirelessly to encourage women to run for political office. Chisholm was a trailblazer who shattered many barriers for women and people of color in politics and inspired generations of women to pursue their dreams and make their voices heard. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower women to this day.

Ruth Bader Ginsberg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a trailblazing legal scholar and feminist icon who significantly contributed to women's history. As an attorney, she fought tirelessly for gender equality, arguing landmark cases before the Supreme Court that led to the expansion of women's rights in the United States. Her tireless work helped to dismantle laws that discriminated against women, challenging the pervasive gender stereotypes that limited women's opportunities and standing up for the idea that women should have equal rights and opportunities in all areas of life. Ginsburg's legacy has inspired countless women to pursue careers in law and politics, and her lifelong commitment to social justice will continue to influence future generations.

 Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai is a courageous activist and advocate for girls' education who has significantly contributed to women's history. Despite facing persecution and violence from the Taliban, Malala continued to speak out for the right of girls to receive an education, becoming a global icon for women's empowerment in the process. In recognition of her efforts, Malala became the youngest Nobel laureate in history and has used her platform to continue advocating for girls' education around the world. Malala's bravery and commitment to justice have inspired countless individuals to stand up for women's rights and have helped raise awareness of the challenges facing girls and women worldwide. Her work is a powerful reminder that women have the right to access education and that education is crucial in fighting for gender equality.

In addition to these notable women, countless others have made significant contributions and profoundly impacted the world. Despite these achievements, the fight for women’s rights is far from over. Women continue to face discrimination and inequality in various areas, from the workplace to healthcare to education. Women also continue to be underrepresented in politics and leadership positions in the United States and worldwide.

 Carrying The Torch of Women's Rights Forward

 While the many women who have come before us have made great strides toward women's equality, more work still needs to be done. It's essential to address these ongoing issues and work towards greater gender equality. This includes efforts to close the gender pay gap and ensure women have access to affordable healthcare and reproductive rights. It also means promoting women's leadership and representation in politics and other fields and working on challenging gender stereotypes and biases in society.

One potential avenue for progress is the recent surge of women running for office in the United States. In the 2018 midterm elections, a record number of women ran for and were elected to Congress. This increase in women's representation can bring new perspectives and priorities to the political arena and help address the ongoing issues facing women.

Another way to promote women's equality is through education and awareness-raising. This can involve teaching young people about the contributions of women throughout history and the ongoing struggle for gender equality. It can also include promoting greater representation of women in media and entertainment and challenging harmful stereotypes and biases in these spaces.

Ultimately, the fight for women's rights requires ongoing effort and dedication. Women's History Month provides a significant opportunity to recognize and celebrate women's achievements throughout history and reflect on the ongoing work still needed to achieve greater gender equality. We can progress toward a more equitable and just society for all by working together.

The Kindness Cause will be donating a portion of our proceeds from the sale of items in our Women's Rights Collection to Equality Now. Equality Now is a human rights nonprofit organization with a mission to achieve legal and systemic change that addresses violence and discrimination against women and girls around the world. You can shop this collection by clicking here.