Beginning in March, Women’s History Month is now recognized across the nation.
The purpose of this time is to learn about and reflect on the contributions that women have made to American history. For many of them, their efforts have been ignored or replaced with the names of men who took credit for their work. As well as recognizing the work that women have made towards the progression of our nation, this month is dedicated to celebrating them.
Originally, Women’s History was only celebrated for a week. It originated in 1978 and was celebrated by the people of Santa Rosa, California. The week centered around International Women’s Day, which is on Mar. 8. The tradition quickly spread to other cities across America due to its popularity. According to womenshistory.org, in 1987 Congress passed Public Law 100-9, a law that decreed the month of March was to be celebrated nationwide as Women’s History Month. Further resolutions were later passed that allowed for the president to issue proclamations stating March was “Women’s History Month.”
A single month does not accumulate enough time to recognize the accomplishments that women have had towards our nation, but it does start a conversation. The knowledge that is spread through celebrations for Women’s History Month helps teach people about these incredible contributions women have made for our country and how they overcame the patriarchal difficulties they faced throughout their lives. These stories can provide women and girls with role models who empower them to face similar challenges.
The awareness that this month brings to the public’s consciousness also provides a viewpoint toward the present, of how women are treated today in modern society and what can be done to make their efforts more valued. These commemorations ensure that future generations of women will be educated on the efforts of the women before them. If these celebrations were to cease, the knowledge of these stories would likely be erased with them.
Available on Eagle Link are the nominations for the S.T.A.R. award, given to three female-identifying students for their accomplishments during their time at FGCU.
At FGCU, many women were involved with its creation and have helped maintain its prestige. When FGCU was first built in 1993, two of the five original staff members for the University were Barbara Krell and Susan Evans, women who helped found this university and form its core values. In 1997, Marianna Coto, a nursing major, was the first student ever admitted to FGCU. Moving forward to the present, FGCU’s first-ever full-time female president, Aysegul Timur, was elected this past January.
Countless other women have made impactful differences here at FGCU. Thanks to their contributions, FGCU has remained an innovative and inspiring university. Take time this month to learn about the contributions not only made to the university by women but also the world.
