Established in 1987, Women’s History Month is a month of observing the often overlooked accomplishments, history, culture, and persistence of women that they faced through the struggle for opportunity and equality. From Marie Curie, Amelia Earhart, and Anna May Wong to Michelle Obama, just a few of the many women who have revolutionized and broken barriers.
Noted as one of the most influential mathematicians of the 20th century, Emmy Amalie Noether has revolutionized the field of physics with her Noether theorem, depicting the foundation of understanding general relativity and elementary particle physics. Despite her numerous avant-garde findings, the male-dominated scientific community denied her accomplishments. Restricting her from attending university and being reluctant to hire her, although she was praised as a genius mathematician by Einstein, according to Brittanica.com.
Celebrated as the first woman to earn a Nobel Prize, the first woman to earn her Ph.D. in Physics in France, and the first woman to teach at the University of Sorbonne. Curie is recognized and associated with her coining of the term “Radioactivity” and finding two new elements: radium and polonium. Until she died in 1934, Curie continued pushing back against the Glass Ceiling, suppressing women and remains the only woman to have attained two Nobel Prizes. With Curies pioneering the discoveries surrounding radioactivity, the current medical practices to treat cancer have saved countless lives, as stated in Awis.org.
Another notable woman throughout history is Helen Keller. Keller, being deemed blind and deaf at birth, defied the odds and became known as an American advocate, author, and human rights advocate. Not letting her condition render her unable to become independent, Keller attended Radcliffe College, where she was named the first deaf-blind person to receive a Bachelor’s Degree. She published her autobiography, “The Story of My Life.” She provided a glimpse into the life of a person with disabilities while breaking down barriers and stereotypes. Additionally, Keller also co-founded the American Civil Liberties Union, whose goal was to further the rights of the disabled; this is still relevant today, as mentioned in womenshistory.org.
A significant group of women has been associated with being the pioneers for women’s rights and universal suffrage, including women in the process of voting. Beginning in the mid-19th century, this group united women to use radical measures and tactics often to ensure voting rights for women and the independence of a Modern Woman to determine her course of action and destiny instead of her traditional status quo of her father or Husband.
As stated in enhance.com, Serena Williams won 23 Grand Slam titles, more than men and women combined during the open era. Williams is associated with revolutionizing the game of women’s tennis. With her powerful, unique style and hardworking, unrelenting work ethic, she commands the game of tennis.
A woman known as a pioneer for Women’s rights in a setting of fear and suppression is Malala Yousafzai. According to biography.com, Mala Yousafazi took the world by storm when she became an international advocate for girls’ education in her home country, Pakistan. After she was shot for opposing the suppression and traditional roles placed on girls and the restriction by the Taliban for the attainment of education for young girls, Malala demonstrated courage and resilience in the face of adversity and fear, risking her life for the education and rights of women.
Additionally, a notable woman in the community of Yorba Linda is Tara Campbell, Mayor of Yorba Linda. Being the youngest female mayor in Californian history, Mayor Campbell continues to encourage and inspire our future generations. When interviewed by the Wrangler about her struggle to empower Yorba Linda’s youth, Campbell responded, “I created the Young Civic Leaders Academy for local high school students. I often speak with Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops. I also try to make a point of engaging with our youth in ceremonies or activities.”
When interviewed by the Wrangler, Aiyanna Reed (10) conveys her thoughts on the impact of Women’s History Month on herself: “Women’s History Month to me is a month of celebration, and it is so significant to everyone no matter what gender because it sheds light on women’s vast impact on the world and their struggle to attain their current status in society.”
Although only six extraordinary women are acknowledged in this article, that does not diminish the fact that of the 3.95 billion women on this earth, each one is special and significant and should be celebrated in this historical month.
