Remembering HERstory
by Danielle Francis

March is officially here, and that means it’s Women’s History Month. (Although I have also seen it referred to as Gender Equality Month, we’re going to keep it for the ladies!) In July 1848, a social visit brought together Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Martha C. Wright, Mary Ann McClintock and Jane Hunt to Seneca Falls, New York. This communal meeting later known as the first Women’s Rights Convention is generally considered the beginning of the Women’s Rights Movement in the United States. Every year in March, Women’s History Month is honored with activities and celebrations that continue to educate and inspire men and women, young and old.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the National Women’s History Project (NWHP), a very successful organization committed to honoring and preserving women in history. Founded in Santa Rosa, California in 1980, each year the NWHP coordinates a venture to systematically reinforce the strength of women everywhere. This year’s theme revolves around “Writing Women Back into History.” The hope is that finally women who really matter and make a difference will be showcased in the history books.

Image courtesy of Womensconference.org

The NWHP hopes to increase female participation in history-making endeavors while at the same time celebrating the women who paved the roads ahead. Already in full force this month, the Smithsonian in Washington set up galleries and tours promoting women’s efforts. Family-friendly activities including scavenger hunts as well as arts and crafts are available at the museum throughout the month. On March 14, Baton Rouge is holding the 12th Annual Women’s Poetry Reading at the Baton Rouge Gallery. A broad scope of Louisiana performers will participate, from published poets to first-time readers. First Lady of California, Maria Shriver, took part in the Women’s Committee at Long Beach, which under Shriver’s guidance has become arguably one of the largest and most influential gathering of female innovators, writers, designers and opinion leaders in the world.

Making me even more proud to be a woman this month, especially one of color, is the fact that March 8 specifically signified International Women’s Day. Each year, thousands of globally rich and diverse local activities ranging from political rallies, business meetings, government and social networking events to women’s craft markets, theatrical performances, fashion shows and more are held across the globe to inspire women and celebrate their achievements. Google even joined in by changing its logo for the special holiday!

These are the types of phenomenon that are newsworthy. We don’t need to know that Lindsey likes her prescription pills or that time Britney shaved her head. Make room for the real catalysts of yesteryear.

The women of Seneca Falls would be very proud, but the battle’s only half won. It’s no longer about promoting HIStory or HERstory, it’s about recognizing that it’s OUR story.

Danielle Francis, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Gender Equality Month, Jane Hunt, Lucretia Mott, Maria Shriver, Martha C. Wright, Mary Ann McClintock, National Women's History Project, Seneca Falls, women's history, women's history month