A majority of people have at least one woman in their life that they appreciate or care for deeply. It is important to note the impact of those women around us all the time, especially during the month of March, otherwise known as Women’s History Month. The month of March should not only be used to celebrate the amazing women in history who have shaped the progression of women in society, but also those who continue to shape modern-day society.
A few incredibly impactful women who made significant changes in the history of our world include Emmeline Pankhurst, Florence Nightingale, Rosa Parks, and Rachel Carson. Pankhurst was a prominent figure in the women’s suffrage movement in England; her activism ended successfully with British women gaining equality in voting rights. Kayla Duke (12) notes, “I remember briefly learning of Pankhurst during history, but I wish we had time to go further in depth. I find that history especially interesting.”
Nightingale was a British nurse who aided in the advancement of medicine within society. Her philosophy of modern nursing and efforts to make nursing education more common are the reasons nurses are so necessary today. Parks was the catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement as she refused to give up her seat on a public bus for a white person; her activism assisted in the desegregation of public spaces within the United States. Additionally, Carson was a biologist and author who exposed many environmental impacts caused by pesticides, which led to a variety of bans on chemicals and a larger environmental movement.
As for modern day, there continues to be a variety of women who are paving the way for greater change. These changemakers include Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, Alicia Garza, and Amanda Gorman. Thunberg is a young climate change activist who has become recognized worldwide for her efforts. She started off by striking school, and her actions later led her to the nomination for a Nobel Peace Prize.
Malala is known for speaking out against the educational oppression against women; for that, she was shot in the head, but she survived and continues to fight against such evils. Garza, writer, activist, and the co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, inspired the slogan that belongs to the movement after making a post on social media.
Finally, Gorman is a poet and activist who touches on the issues of feminism, race, and oppression. She was placed on Time’s 100 Next list, which highlights the most influential people during the year.
Whether it be a famous person, your mother, sister, best friend, or another figure in your life, women make the world go round, and they are a crucial piece of our society. Savannah Poetschlag (11) shares, “My mom and my sister are two women who are very special to me. We have a great relationship.”
Women are essential to every step we take forward. It is pertinent that we remember those who made it possible for girls today to receive an education, vote equally within men, and pursue a life of their own. Be a part of the change you wish to see.
