Not too long ago, women were put on this earth at the hands of a man. Their purpose in life was to keep the husband happy and take care of the kids. Mrs., if you’re married, Miss, if you’re not, no right to vote as a female, and dependence on the man of the household. When women were finally allowed a job, there was always a wide pay gap. Women are competent, fun, beautiful, and yet still treated as less. 

    Women’s History Month begins on March first, ending on the 31st. The purpose of this month is to recognize the struggles of the past, whilst still empowering others to fight for today and future gender equity. Women in history are often overlooked. Accomplishments within science, literature, and politics go unnoticed as some believe the fight has been won, but pushing for fairness will never end. It may seem as though all differences were long ago. However, women, regardless of race, were given the right to vote in 1920 when the 19th Amendment was ratified. Putting that into perspective, there are people alive today who knew the courageous women and men who marched in the women’s suffrage movement protests. 

     Throughout history, there have been many women who wrote and published literature as a way of using their voice. For their contributions, the world will forever benefit. Literature has changed because of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, who co-founded the newspaper The Revolution (1868) as a push for equal pay, women’s rights, and divorce reform. There was Dorris Stevens, who published Jailed for Freedom in 1920, speaking out about the experiences of National Women’s Suffragists being imprisoned. Monmouth University credits these strong ladies. So many other women constantly pushed for better. The question remains, what does the world have to show for their life’s work? 

     Kamala Harris became the first woman to serve as the U.S. Vice President, Katie Sowers became the first female coach in Super Bowl history, and NASA named Christina Koch the first woman for a Lunar mission. All of these accomplishments came far later than they should’ve; however, it’s better late than never. As a woman, the norm is to accept even the smallest victory, because all the wins add up. One day, a woman will become president, and there will still be more work to do.

     Serena Williams said, “Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” As times change, the evolution of women in sports, literature, Hollywood, and more has grown. Plenty of girls walked, so most had the ability to run. During this month, recognize the struggles and the wins. Don’t ever let anyone overlook personal accomplishments simply because of the gender they were born as. No woman is defined by any man; they make their own views, can find their own jobs, and can even rule the world. Sexism will always exist, but it’s important to keep fighting and carry the legacy of all those before us. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, or more so in the eyes of a powerful woman.