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• Women's Day Essay

Inspirational Women's Day Essay

This beautiful creation of the God! The angel on the earth makes our life a wonderful experience all together. Imagining life without a woman is quite hard-hitting. This angel shakes the cradle with one hand the earth with the other hand. The fact that all the great people of the world are born from the womb of a woman and it is a woman from whom those great people have taken their initial teachings. And that is the reason we have always emphasized upon giving the due respect to women in their life. And that is why women’s day is celebrated with so much of zeal and it has spread throughout the world.

To teach people the various roles played by women in different spheres of life in various organizations and educational intuitions and various national and international platforms, women’s day speeches are delivered. Here are some sample Women’s Day Essays for the upcoming event:

1. Celebrating Woman is a way of feeling gratitude to the each and every woman in one’s life, be it in the professional or the personal life. International Women’s day is observed every year on 8th of March and it is observed around the world to celebrate the velour of women. In most of the country the day has been observed as a national holiday. Women from various cultural and ethnic groups come together crossing all the boundaries to remember their struggle of many decade for peace, justice, equality and development. The day allows women to raise her voice for an equal opportunity in whatever field she wants to participate in; same a man is provided with.

2. The bottom line of celebrating women’s day is due to the wide spread differences in various fields- the pay difference of 14.9% between men and women, only 21.4% of seats for women in parliament around the world, lack of awareness for women education and many more.

International women’s Day all about feeling women realize their worth and giving them boost to achieve as per their actual potential. On this day the world unites to appreciate their courage to cross all the hurdles and make such tremendous improvement in all most all the spheres of life. Besides that, it is the most important thing to be given emphasis is the work that still needs to be done to fill that gap completely that had existed from ages.

3. A general myth that exists in the society is that issues related to women empowerment can only be addressed at an infinitesimally slower pace. Many people out there in society believe that the gender gap not really exits and some are also of the belief that the efforts made by individuals cannot actually make difference to the gender gap that exists in the society. These beliefs have over the years debilitated the power of women. The first in this Endeavour to eradicating this deep rooted menace is realizing that the problem can only be identified and solved by interacting with the people who are actually irrational taboos of the society. On this day we must realize that every single person’s contribution towards fighting a threat of the society counts. International women’s day is all about being aware of the fact that each individual has to work in their own way for changing the ugly face of the society.

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Write Your Way Through Women’s History Month: 62 Inspiring Journal Prompts

By: Author Valerie Forgeard

Posted on Published: October 13, 2022  - Last updated: December 26, 2023

Categories Writing , Creativity , History , Inspiration , Society

March is Women’s History Month, and what better way to celebrate than by writing your way through it?

These 62 journal prompts will inspire you to explore the accomplishments of women throughout history, reflect on your own experiences as a woman, and more.

Whether you’re a student looking for essay ideas or want to do some personal reflection, these prompts will get you thinking about women in a new light. Happy writing!

62 Women’s History Month Journal Prompts

• What is your favorite thing about being a woman?
• What are the biggest challenges you face as a woman?
• What’s the purpose of Women’s Month?
• What do you like best about Women’s History Month?
• What’s your favorite way to celebrate Women’s History Month?
• Who’s the most famous woman in history?
• What are the colors for Women’s History Month?
• Why is Women’s History Month in March?
• How do you talk about Women’s History Month at work?
• What aspect of women’s history do you find most interesting?
• Why do you think it’s essential to learn about women’s history?
• What do you think is the most critical issue facing women today? Why is this important to you?
• Do you sometimes feel you aren’t taken seriously as a woman in this society? If so, why?
• What do you think are the biggest challenges to gender identity?
• Do you think we can achieve gender equality by 2030? Why or why not?
• Why is it important for women to learn more about their health and mental health?
• Do you think women are treated fairly in today’s society? Why or why not?
• What influences have contributed to your attitudes and beliefs about women and your place in the world?
• What are some good questions to ask about women’s rights?
• What obstacles do women face when pursuing their dreams and goals in today’s society? Do these obstacles affect men as well? If so, how?
• What makes you feel empowered as a woman?
• What do you think we can do to make girls and women feel empowered today?
• What’s been your biggest accomplishment so far?
• What’s the best piece of advice an inspiring woman has given you?
• Who inspires you to be a better person? How do they inspire you?
• What significant contribution have women made to your world?
• Who’d it be, and why would you have to pick one influential woman from history to meet?
• What other groups can women work with to promote equality in your world?
• If you could meet an influential African American woman, who’d you choose and why?
• Do you think men and women are inherently different from each other?
• What do you think are the four qualities women should have and 4 qualities men should have?
• Why is the right to vote so important?
• How is Women’s History Month celebrated in schools?
• What women-led organization do you think should be more well-known than it is? Why do you think it should be better known?
• What was it like to be a woman in the 1920s?
• How has being a woman changed over time?
• How can we encourage more women in the sciences?
• What do you think about the idea of “equal opportunity”? Is it possible? Why or why not?
• What do you think about the #MeToo movement?
• What do you think about the Women’s March?
• How does our current political climate affect women’s rights around the world?
• What do you think about the recent Supreme Court decision that states cannot ban abortion?
• If you could abolish one law restricting women, what would it be and why?
• Describe how your gender has affected your life and career choices.
• What common misconception about women’s history would you like to correct?
• What’s one of your favorite stories about an inspiring woman from history?
• How do you think changing our understanding of women’s history can help us create a better future for ourselves and our communities?
• How can you use your creative writing skills or influence to help other girls and women learn about their history?
• How has your mother or grandmother inspired you?
• What are your favorite books, movies, or shows (TV) that feature strong female characters?
• What can men do to help in the fight for gender equality?
• How would you like to inspire the next generation of women?
• What do you think of hearing the term “women’s issues”? Which of these are most important to you personally and why?
• What would you say to young girls today who are struggling with their gender identity and self-esteem?
• What’s your favorite work of art by a famous woman, and why?
• What are your favorite books by women authors? Why do these books mean so much to you?
• How would your life change if there were more women in power today?
• What do you think is the most important thing women should know about each other?
• What would it be if you could tell the world one thing about women?
• What was it like to be a woman growing up in your family or community?
• How would society change over the years (art, literature, science) without the contributions of women?
• Write down a short story about an influential woman who changed the world.

The History of Women Is an Opportunity to Learn About the World

Women have made a difference in the world for millennia in the United States and worldwide, but their accomplishments have often been overlooked or overshadowed by men. Since our society has become more inclusive and knows how important women are, we pay more attention to their contributions and accomplishments.

Women’s History Month is an opportunity to learn about the past, the present, and the future. It’s not just about women but also about rights in the United States , as with Black History Month or National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Women’s history month is here to teach people that there are many men and women who have fought for equality and justice in society. It also reminds us that in some communities, we still have a long way to go before women have the same rights and opportunities as men.

Women have always played an important role in our world, but their contributions are often overlooked or ignored. Women’s history is an opportunity to learn about these inspiring women and their accomplishments.

Women’s history is an opportunity to learn because it helps us understand what makes us human and our biggest challenges as a society. It helps us understand how we got here and where we’re going next.

Women’s History Can Be Taught in a Variety of Ways

Women’s history can be taught through books, films, museums, and exhibitions. However, the best way to convey women’s history is through personal stories.

When teaching women’s history, it’s important to use various resources, such as written materials, films, and television shows, museums and exhibits, and personal stories from people with different backgrounds, to reach different audiences with different interests and needs.

A museum or exhibit is a good starting point for teaching about women’s history because it allows people to experience the topic firsthand by interacting with objects related to the topic being studied so they can form their own opinions about what they see. This type of lesson is especially appropriate for student groups who are visual learners because they’re seeing objects, not just reading about them in a book or on a screen.

Another way to teach women’s history is to invite guest speakers into the classroom. They can come and talk about their experiences to show what life was like for women in different times and places. This helps students understand how different things were for different groups of people depending on where they lived and their times. It also helps them understand how important each group was to society as a whole, even if they were sometimes treated differently than other groups of people.

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Women’s History Month 2024

By: History.com Editors

Updated: February 20, 2024 | Original: December 30, 2009

Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. Women’s History Month 2024 will take place from Friday, March 1 - Sunday, March 31, 2024. 

Why Do We Celebrate Women’s History Month?

Women’s History Month is a dedicated month to reflect on the often-overlooked contributions of women to U.S. history. From Abigail Adams to Susan B. Anthony , Sojourner Truth to Rosa Parks , the timeline of women’s history milestones stretches back to the founding of the United States.

The actual celebration of Women’s History Month grew out of a weeklong celebration of women’s contributions to culture, history and society organized by the school district of Sonoma, California , in 1978. Presentations were given at dozens of schools, hundreds of students participated in a “Real Woman” essay contest and a parade was held in downtown Santa Rosa.

A few years later, the idea caught on within communities, school districts and organizations across the country. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. The U.S. Congress followed suit the next year, passing a resolution establishing a national celebration. Six years later, the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the event to the entire month of March.

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day , a global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women, took place for the first time on March 8, 1911. Many countries around the world celebrate the holiday with demonstrations, educational initiatives and customs such as presenting women with gifts and flowers. 

The United Nations has sponsored International Women’s Day since 1975. When adopting its resolution on the observance of International Women’s Day, the United Nations General Assembly cited the following reasons: “To recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security.”

Women's History Month Theme 2024

The  National Women's History Alliance designates a yearly theme for Women's History Month. The 2024 theme celebrates  “ Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” This theme recognizes women who understand the need to eliminate bias and discrimination from individuals' lives and institutions.

Inspiring Quotes for Women's History Month

“Women are like teabags. We don’t know our true strength until we are in hot water.” – Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962), political figure, diplomat, activist, First Lady.

"The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity," Amelia Earhart (1897-1937?), aviation pioneer.

“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.” – Rosa Parks (1913-2005), civil rights activist.

"If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." - Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005), U.S. Congresswoman.

“My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou (1928-2014), memoirist, poet, civil rights activist.

“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.” – Madeleine Albright (1937-2022), U.S. Secretary of State.

“Champions keep playing until they get it right.” – Billie Jean King (1943 - ), tennis champion.

"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." - Alice Walker (1944 - ), novelist, short story writer, poet, social activist.

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” ―  Malala Yousafzai (1997- ), Pakistani female education activist, Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

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Why We Celebrate Women's History Month

How Did March Come to Be Women's History Month?

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• American History
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• B.A., Mundelein College
• M.Div., Meadville/Lombard Theological School

Women’s History Month is a legally declared international celebration honoring the contributions of women to history, culture, and society. Since 1987, it has been observed annually in March in the United States.

As declared annually by a presidential proclamation, Women’s History Month in the United States is dedicated to reflecting on the numerous but often-overlooked contributions of women such as Abigail Adams , Susan B. Anthony , Sojourner Truth , and Rosa Parks to American history from independence to the present day.

Key Takeaways: Women's History Month

• Women’s History Month is an annual celebration honoring the contributions of women to American history, culture, and society.
• Women’s History Month is observed annually during March to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8.
• Women’s History Month grew out of a Women’s History Week celebrated in Sonoma County, California, in 1978.
• In 1980, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the week of March 8th, 1980 as the first National Women’s History Week.
• Women’s History Week was expanded to Women’s History Month by the U.S. Congress in 1987.

Started as Women's History Week

In 1978, nine years before it became a month-long observation, Sonoma County, California, observed a Women’s History Week. While celebrating the achievements of women may seem to be an obvious concept today, in 1978, the organizers of Women’s History Week saw it as a way of rewriting widely taught versions of American history that largely ignored the contributions of women.

In demonstrating the impact of Women’s History Month, the National Women’s History Alliance points to a 50-year progress report on the progress of women in the United States issued by the White House in March 2011 to coincide with Women's History Month. The report found that younger women are now more likely to hold college degrees than their male counterparts and that the number of men and women in the American workforce had nearly equalized.

Once Marginalized, Movement Grows in Popularity

In the 1970s, women’s history remained rarely covered or even discussed topic in the K-12 curriculum of U.S. schools. Hoping to rectify this situation, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women initiated a “Women’s History Week” celebration for 1978. The Taskforce chose the week of March 8 to correspond with that year’s observance of International Women’s Day . 

During that first Women’s History Week in 1978, hundreds of students competed in an essay contest on the topic of “Real Woman,” presentations were made at dozens of schools, and a parade with floats and marching bands was held in downtown Santa Rosa, California. 

As the movement grew in popularity, other communities across the country held their own Women’s History Week celebrations in 1979. In early 1980, a collaboration of women’s advocacy groups, historians, and scholars led by the National Women’s History Project—now the National Women's History Alliance —urged the U.S. Congress to give the event national recognition. In Congress, Democratic U.S. Representative Barbara Mikulski of Maryland and Republican Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah co-sponsored a successful congressional resolution declaring a National Women’s History Week to be observed the same year. Their sponsorship of the legislation in a Congress deeply divided along party lines demonstrated strong bipartisan support for the recognition of the achievements of American women.

President Jimmy Carter's 1980 Proclamation

On February 28, 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8th, 1980 as the first National Women’s History Week. President Carter’s proclamation read in part:

“From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this Nation. Too often, the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed.”

Thought always in March, the exact dates of Women’s History Week changed every year, and every year, a new lobbying effort in Congress was needed. This annual confusion and complication led women’s groups to push for the annual designation of the entire month of March as Women’s History Month.

Between 1980 and 1986, state-after-state began holding Women’s History Month observances. In 1987, at the request of the National Women's History Project, the U.S. Congress, again with bipartisan support, voted to declare the entire month of March as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity. Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed resolutions authorizing the president to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month.

Since 1995, every U.S. president has issued annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” The proclamations call for all Americans to celebrate the past and ongoing contributions of women to the United States.

International Women’s Day

First celebrated on March 19, 1911, International Women’s Day was inspired by National Women’s Day organized by the Socialist Party of America and observed on February 28, 1909, in New York City. That event honored the New York garment worker’s strike, in which thousands of women marched from Manhattan to Union Square demanding equal pay and safer working conditions. By 1911, Women’s Day had grown into an international observance that spread through Europe as an outgrowth of the socialist movement . In 1913, the permanent date for the observation of International Women’s Day was changed to March 8.

On March 25, 1911, less than a week after the first International Women’s Day, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire killed 146 people, mostly young women, in New York City. The disaster led to new laws ensuring better industrial working conditions. The memory of those who died is still regularly invoked as part of International Women's Day ceremonies.

Annual Themes Highlight the Event

Since 1987, the National Women's History Project has established an annual theme for observances of Women’s History Month. A few notable examples of past themes include, “Generations of Courage, Compassion, and Conviction,” in 1987; “Writing Women Back into History,” in 2010; “Nevertheless, She Persisted: Honoring Women Who Fight All Forms of Discrimination against Women,” in 2018; and “Valiant Women of the Vote,” in 2020 honoring “the brave women who fought to win suffrage rights for women, and for the women who continue to fight for the voting rights of others.”

From the White House to towns, cities, and schools and colleges across the nation, the annual Women’s History Month theme is celebrated with speeches, parades, roundtable discussions, and presentations.

In 2013, for example, the White House observed Women’s History Month celebrating women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by hosting a group of high school students participating in a conversation with a mentoring panel of luminaries from a diverse range of fields. Following the panel discussion, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a reception for the participants in the East Room of the White House.

“When I look around this room, it is hard to believe that 100 years ago this month, thousands of women were marching right outside this house demanding one of our most fundamental right: the right to vote, to have a say in our democracy,” said President Obama. “And today, a century later, its rooms are full of accomplished women who have overcome discrimination, shattered glass ceilings , and become outstanding role models for all of our sons and daughters.”

To celebrate the 2020 Women’s History Month theme, “Valiant Women of the Vote,” the city of Philadelphia honored the 100th anniversary of women earning the right to vote. By temporarily changing the city’s nickname of “The City of Brotherly Love” to “The City of Sisterly Love,” Philadelphia recognized women’s suffrage in 1920 and drew attention to the fact that women of color were not guaranteed the right to vote until passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 . Rather than concluding at the end of March, Philadelphia’s celebrations of women’s suffrage were scheduled to continue throughout the year.

Impact of Women’s History Month

The years since the first Women’s History Week and Women’s History Month celebrations have seen significant milestones in the advancement of the rights and equality of women in the United States.

For example, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 prohibited employment discrimination against pregnant women. In 1980, Paula Hawkins of Florida became the first woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate without following her husband or father in the position, and in 1981, Sandra Day O'Connor became the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2009, the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act gave pay discrimination victims, usually women, the right to file complaints against their employer with the government.

In 2016, Hilary Clinton secured the Democratic presidential nomination, becoming the first U.S. woman to lead the ticket of a major political party; and in 2020, a record number of women served in the U.S. Congress, including 105 in the House and 21 in the Senate.

On March 11, 2009, President Obama marked Women’s History Month by signing an executive order creating the White House Council on Women and Girls requiring all federal agencies to account for the needs of women and girls in the policies and programs they create, and in the legislation they support. In signing the order, the President stressed that the true purpose of the government remains, as it was in 1789, “to ensure that in America, all things are still possible for all people.”

Updated by Robert Longley

• A Brief History of International Women's Day
• Women's History Month Printables
• Celebrating Cultural Heritage Months
• 1970s Feminism Timeline
• A Short History of Women's Equality Day
• Celebrating Black History Month
• Black History and Women's Timeline: 1920-1929
• Celebrate Women's History Month
• A List of Holidays of Interest to Black Americans
• Biography of Susan B. Anthony, Women's Suffrage Activist
• Free Printable History Worksheets
• South Africa's National Holidays
• Women's Suffrage Victory: August 26, 1920
• Biography of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Black Historian
• Meet the Female Supreme Court Justices
• Vice Presidents Who Ran for President and Lost

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By Kelly Gorski

History looks different when the contributions of women are included." The National Women's History Project

Although women have been shaping human history since the dawn of civilization, the concept of Women's History Month has its roots firmly implanted in the date March 8, 1857, when women from New York City factories protested untenable working conditions. As recently as the 1970s, the influence of women in history was a virtually nonexistent topic in public school curricula or even an element within general public consciousness and discourse. To address this situation, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women recognized "Women's History Week" during one week in March in 1978. In 1981 Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Rep. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) cosponsored a joint Congressional resolution proclaiming a national Women's History Week. In 1987 Congress expanded the celebration to a month, and March was declared Women's History Month.

Did You Know?

Sometimes questions are more important than answers." Nancy Willard

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey:

• Thirty-seven percent of women sixteen or older are employed in managerial, professional, and other related positions, compared with thirty-one percent of men.
• Revenue for women-owned businesses in 2002 reached more than $939 billion—fifteen percent higher than 1997.
• There were 116,985 women-owned firms with receipts of $1 million or more.
• The median annual earning of women sixteen or older who worked year-round was $32,168 in 2005.
• Women earned seventy-seven cents for every dollar earned by men in similar career positions.

The ever-changing socio-political climate of the sixties caused women to question their invisibility in traditional American history texts, public school curricula, and even social discourse. During the sixties, the aspirations of and the opportunities for women were broadened and produced a growing number of female actors, athletes, artists, scientists, educators, and historians.

Carroll Smith-Rosenberg, one of the early women's historians, stated, "[W]ithout question, our first inspiration was political. Aroused by feminist charges of economic and political discrimination . . . we turned to our history to trace the origins of women's second-class status."

Throughout history, women have made significant contributions to every discipline and all other areas of life. Women have influenced our culture and the progression of literature, photography, music, math, science, research, and so much more. The originality, beauty, endurance, imagination, and multiple dimensions of women's lives have shaped our collective history, and all of this must be written back into it.

How Can We Teach It?

It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union." Susan B. Anthony

There are several things you can do with your students in the classroom to celebrate Women's History Month and the role deaf women played in particular:

• Have a motivational speaker who is involved with women's rights and privileges come speak to your classroom or to your school.
• Ask your students and other teachers to have their students participate with your class in writing essays or poems related to Women's History Month.
• Ask your students to nominate their favorite historical or contemporary female figure and explain what made them choose those particular people.
• Write a press release about your observance of Women's History Month.
• Ask your students to think of a clever angle to capture the media's attention.
• Delve into history and explore the impacts women have made, like Susan B. Anthony, Joan of Arc, Clara Barton, Cleopatra, and Sojourner Truth; and then review modern women and their influences, such as Maya Angelou, the late Benazir Bhutto, Hillary Clinton, Julia Gillard, Nancy Pelosi, Condoleezza Rice, Gloria Steinman, Margaret Thatcher, and Naomi Wolf.
• Focus specifically on women who are deaf who overcame various obstacles unique to deaf women and succeeded: Kitty O'Neal, the world's fastest woman; Claudia Gordon, a successful lawyer; Marlee Matlin, a brilliant actress; Heather Whitestone, the 1995 Miss America; and Henrietta Swan Leavitt, a scientist.
• Have your students watch any of the DCMP titles listed below; these are sure to incite some healthy discussion.

A woman is like a tea bag—only in hot water do you realize how strong she is." Eleanor Roosevelt

The Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) has titles in its collection that promote recognition of women's historical accomplishments, and education regarding how women can further themselves through research, education, and advocacy.

The series Women First and Foremost: Volumes One-Three tells the story of courageous American women, their place in history, and selected individual accomplishments. Volume one includes women's impact on medicine, literature, and abolition.

The series Career Options for Women profiles many women in various career fields, and remarks from coworkers and supervisors provide additional layers to the description of all the jobs that are highlighted.

The title Bloomers to Ballot details how women had to go against the church, their fathers and husbands, and society's expectations to gain the right to vote. The women's suffrage movement in Wyoming and Colorado during 1870-1896 is emphasized.

You may also want your class to read Harry Lang's article Finding Deaf Herstory and History: Resources for the Classroom , which is about Edmund Booth, a deaf forty-niner, and Laura Redden Searing, a deaf poet and Civil War journalist. Lang, a professor at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, concludes with an encouragement to deaf and hearing scholars to continue the development of deaf studies books and resources.

Making a Difference for Deaf Women

The young women of today—free to study, to speak, to write, to choose their occupation —should remember that every inch of this freedom was bought for them at a great price... the debt that each generation owes to the past, it must pay to the future." Abigail Scott Dunaway

Women have long championed equal pay for equal work, affordable child care, the fight against the undervaluing of women who take on unpaid careers such as being a stay-at-home parent or caregiver for aging relatives, and the underreporting of domestic violence and sexual assault for both men and women. However, for all women have done throughout history, one often overlooked minority is that of deaf women.

Women's History Month draws attention to the women who have fought for the rights we have today, and simultaneously highlights the ongoing struggles for women's equality. While this month was originally meant to bring the world's attention to women, their accomplishments and plights worldwide, it has now also become a venue to celebrate the accomplishments that women have made and the positive changes that have come about in modern times. However, much is still left to be done.

Many organizations have taken on the monumental tasks of making our world a better place, and some choose to focus on women and women's role in society. Check out these two great organizations to learn more about how you can support deaf women by helping these organizations—and maybe getting involved yourself:

Deaf Women United ( DWU ): Deaf Women United is committed to continuing a community of support of Deaf women from all walks of life. You can play a significant role in assuring the success of our mission to promote the lives of Deaf women through empowerment, enrichment, and networking.

Abused Deaf Women's Advocacy Services ( ADWAS ): ADWAS is committed to providing services to Deaf and Deaf-Blind victims of sexual assault and/or domestic violence. The mission of ADWAS is a belief that violence is a learned behavior and it should not be tolerated.

March is the time set aside for specifically celebrating women in history, their achievements, influences, and dedication to both hearing and deaf women across America, but we should celebrate our collective history every day! Everyone needs to be involved, and accessible media from the DCMP can help you learn and celebrate year-round.

About the Author

Kelly Gorski is former communications editor for the Described and Captioned Media Program.

Tags: educators , history

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Administered by the National Association of the Deaf

Women's History Month: How It Started and How to Celebrate

Women's History Month is held each March and celebrates women’s contributions to history, culture and society.

It's Women's History Month 2022. The month-long celebration is a chance to acknowledge women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. From Abigail Adams to Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth to Rosa Parks, women have been at the forefront of history-making moments in the United States.

The National Women’s History Alliance selects and publishes a yearly theme for Women's History Month and 2022's is all about capturing the spirit of the challenging times we're living through. This year's theme, "Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope," is both a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history.

How It Started

Women’s History Month  started as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California. The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women planned and executed a “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978. Presentations were given at local schools where hundreds of students participated in a “Real Woman” essay contest. A parade was also held in downtown Santa Rosa to celebrate.

International Women's Day

International Women’s Day took place for the first time on March 8, 1911 . In New York City in 1908, thousands of women united and marched for better labor laws, conditions, and the right to vote. A year later on Feb. 28, 1909, suffragists and socialists gathered again in Manhattan for what they called the first International Women's Day. The idea made its way through Europe before being introduced at the International Conference of Women in Copenhagen. One hundred women representing 17 countries agreed on the designation and the day was formally honored on March 8, 1911. The holiday wasn't largely celebrated or acknowledged in the U.S. until 1975, when the United Nations began sponsoring International Women's Day.

A few years later, the movement spread across the country. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. The March 8 date was chosen as it corresponded with International Women’s Day . March is also when Title IX was passed in 1972, which protects people from sex discrimination in federal education programs. The following year, the U.S. Congress followed suit, passing a resolution that established a national celebration. In 1987, the National Women’s History Project petitioned Congress to expand the event to the entire month of March and was successful.

History-Making Women

Parks helped initiate the civil rights movement in the United States when she refused to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus in 1955.

Shirley Chisholm

In 1972, Chisholm became the first African-American from a major political party to run for president and the first Democratic woman of any race to do so.

In the landmark 1973 7-2 Roe v. Wade decision, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that the Constitution protects a woman’s legal right to an abortion.

Sandra Day O’Connor

In 1981, O'Connor was sworn in by President Ronald Reagan as the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

In 1993, Ginsburg was named to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1993 by President Bill Clinton.

Hillary Clinton

In 2016, Clinton became the first woman to receive a presidential nomination from a major political party.

Kamala Harris

In 2021, Harris was sworn in as the first woman and first woman of color vice president of the United States.

How to Celebrate: Books to Read

Pride and Prejudice   - Jane Austen

The story follows the main character, Elizabeth Bennet, as she deals with issues of manners, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage in the society of the landed gentry of the British Regency. 

Beloved   - Toni Morrison

The magnificent Pulitzer Prize-winning work that brought the wrenching experience of slavery into the literature of our time, enlarging our comprehension of America’s original sin. 

We Should All Be Feminists -  Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Drawing extensively on her own experiences and her deep understanding of the often masked realities of sexual politics, here is one remarkable author’s exploration of what it means to be a woman now -- and an of-the-moment rallying cry for why we should all be feminists.

Persepolis - Marjane Satrapi 

Satrapi tells the story of her life as a girl and then woman in Tehran, from ages 6 to 14, years that saw the overthrow of the Shah’s regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, and the devastating effects of war with Iraq.

Films and Documentaries to Watch

RBG tells the unique personal journey of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's rise to the nation's highest court. 

Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise

This biographical documentary details the life of Maya Angelou, going all the way back to her traumatic childhood and up to her status as an iconic American writer. 

Knock Down the House

Knock Down the House follows the campaigns of four women who ran for Congress in 2018: Cori Bush, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Paula Jean Swearengin, and Amy Vilela. Rachel Lears documented the women's journeys.

Hidden Figures

The story of a team of female African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program.

Sex Revolutions  

Sex Revolutions  traces, for the first time in its entirety, the process of the sexual revolution, showing the interaction of all its dimensions.

Virago Women: Birth of the Women's Liberation Movement  

This documentary details the fascinating account of Virago Press from 1973 to today, including its determined founders and the writers and readers who fueled a revolution; they changed how the world sees women today and how women see themselves. 

Where to Donate

Look for a local women’s shelter, women’s organization or a women’s health clinic and volunteer in your community. Take the time this month to give back to the women near you who need it the most.

By partnering with schools and Girls Inc. centers, they focus on development, with mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and research-based programming to help girls get through it all.

Women for Women International

Women for Women International works to support marginalized women in countries that have been severely affected by conflict and war. They offer programs to help women earn and save money, improve health, and connect to networks for support, among other things.

UltraViolet

If you want to see more women in politics, consider donating to UltraViolet. The organization is a community of over one million people to drive "feminist cultural and political change." 

Girls Who Code

It's no secret men still have the upper hand when it comes to the computer science and technology industry. Girls Who Code works to close that gap and get girls interested in the tech world. 

For the latest content celebrating fierce women, please visit our Women's History Month page .

Women's History Month: Brave Girls Virtual Storytime

Each week, the National Women's History Museum will host a virtual storytime, in which a new female author and publication will be highlighted. Following a reading of the week's spotlighted book, a live Q&A will be held. All Brave Girls Virtual Storytime programming is free to attend, but pre-registration is required. This first virtual storytime will be held March 2, at 9:30 a.m. PT.

2022 Mother Tongue Film Festival—Centering Women’s Voices: Directors Roundtable

Every year, Mother Tongue presents a roundtable with women directors to honor the role of women in language transmission. This year, filmmakers from communities in Canada, the United States, and Mexico will all come together to discuss the power of language in their films. The event is free to attend and will also be held virtually on March 3 at 10:00 a.m. PT.

Her Story: How Women and Girls Transformed the World!

Created by the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative, virtual workshops for children ages 3-6 and their adult companions, will be held March 11, 16 and 21 at 11:00 a.m. ET. Attendees will have the chance to learn about art, history, and more from educators at the Smithsonian, who will lead three different 30-minute interactive programs that incorporate a close look at the historical and artistic contributions of a diverse array of American women.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg "Great Americans" Medal Posthumous Presentation  

The late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will posthumously receive the National Museum of American History's signature honor, the "Great Americans" medal. Her family will be accepting the honor on her behalf as well as donating artifacts representing the justice's Supreme Court career, during the virtual ceremony. The ceremony is free and will take place March 30 at 6:30 p.m. ET. Attendees can register on the National Museum of American History's website.

RELATED CONTENT:

Taylor Swift Makes a Playlist of Her Favorite Female Artists for Women's History Month

Debbie Allen Says Cicely Tyson Helped Black Women Find Their Identity

Nancy Pelosi Stands Up for Women's Rights in DNC Speech

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Women's History Month: How It Started, Why We Celebrate in March and More Questions Answered

Did you know that Women's History Month went from one day, to one week, to one month? Learn more about the month-long celebration

Happy Women's History Month ! During this time, we celebrate the contributions of history-making women to our society. From how it began to important dates in March you should know, read on to learn more about the momentous month spent commemorating women.

When is Women's History Month?

Women's History Month is a month-long celebration observed in March of women's accomplishments, the significant personal and societal roles they have always played and how they inspire others today and throughout history.

Why is Women's History Month in March and how did it begin?

Robert Alexander/Getty Images

Women's History Month was initially just International Women's Day, a day that commemorated the Feb. 28 meeting of socialists and suffragists in Manhattan in 1909.

One year later, on March 8, 1910, according to the BBC , a German activist named Clara Zetkin suggested they recognize International Women's Day at an International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen. With 17 countries in attendance at the conference, they all agreed.

On March 8, 1911, the first International Women's Day was celebrated in Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Denmark, though the holiday wasn't widely celebrated in the United States until the United Nations began sponsoring it in 1975 .

In 1977, in order to persuade school principals to comply with the recently passed Title IX, a task force in California created Women's History Week .

In March 1980, after celebrations had spread across the country, President Jimmy Carter declared that March 8 was officially the start of National Women's History Week. That same year, Utah Senator Orrin Hatch and Maryland Representative Barbara Mikulski co-sponsored the first Joint Congressional Resolution declaring the week of March 8, 1981, National Women's History Week.

By 1987, Congress declared the entire month of March Women's History Month. Since then, every president has proclaimed the month of March Women's History Month.

Why do we celebrate Women's History Month?

We celebrate Women's History Month to remind everyone of the achievements of women throughout the years in our culture and society, and why it's important to study them and their important moments in history. From science to politics to entertainment , it is a chance to reflect on the trailblazing women who lead the way for change.

What are some key dates during Women's History Month?

• International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8, and was established as a holiday in 1911.
• The first major march on Washington by suffragists happened on March 3, 1913.
• The National Woman's Party was formed in March 1917. The group was dedicated to getting women the right to vote.
• Title IX was passed on March 1, 1972. In fact, the first-ever Women's History Week was created in order to bolster support for Title IX, which prohibited discrimination due to sex in federally funded education programs.
• The Equal Rights Amendment was passed in the Senate on March 22, 1972.

What is this year's Women's History Month theme?

According to the National Women's History Alliance , 2024 is about "Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion."

"The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions," reads the National Women's History Alliance site.

Their message continues: "It takes courage for women to advocate for practical goals like equity, diversity and inclusion when established forces aim to misinterpret, exploit or discredit them. Throughout 2024, we honor local women from the past and present who have taken the lead to show the importance of change and to establish firmer safeguards, practices and legislation reflecting these values. Following decades of discrimination, we are proud to celebrate women who work for basic inclusion, equality and fairness."

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Essay on Women's Day - 100, 200, 500 Words

On March 8, women from all nations, religions, and cultures are honoured for what they do and have to deal with daily. Women have a unique capacity for overcoming daily challenges with love and care, striving against all odds to improve the world and defend their loved ones through predation. Feminism and the women's rights movement were founded a century ago. Today, in many parts of the world, women are still fighting for their rights and upholding the movement's fundamental principles. It is crucial to uphold current values and further their agendas in order to create a fair and equal society free from gender discrimination. Here are a few sample essays on women’s day.

100 Words Essay on Women's Day

International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8. It is a day to recognize and celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world. The theme for International Women's Day 2021 was "Choose to Challenge", encouraging individuals to challenge gender bias and inequality, and to create a more inclusive world. On this day, events and activities are organised worldwide to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle for gender equality and to pay tribute to the women who have made a significant impact in their communities and beyond. On International Women's Day, people often make pledges to support women's rights and gender equality, and to take action to create a more equal and just society for all.

200 Words Essay on Women's Day

History of women's day.

The first International Women's Day was held in 1911, organised by the International Socialist Women's Conference. The day was chosen to commemorate the 1908 strike of the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union in New York, where women demanded better working conditions, pay and the right to vote. Since then, it has grown to become a global day of recognition and celebration of the contributions of women to society.

Importance of Women's Day

International Women's Day is important because it helps to raise awareness about ongoing issues related to gender equality and women's rights. It is an opportunity for people to come together and take action to create a more equal and just society for all. Additionally, it serves as a reminder to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of women in various fields, from politics to business, from education to healthcare, and many more.

Celebrations

On International Women's Day, events and activities are organised worldwide to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle for gender equality and to pay tribute to the women who have made a significant impact in their communities and beyond. People often make pledges to support women's rights and gender equality, and to take action to create a more equal and just society for all.

In conclusion, International Women's Day is a day to celebrate and recognize the achievements of women around the world. It serves as a reminder to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of women in various fields. It's an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving gender equality. It's also a call to action to work towards creating a more inclusive world for all women.

500 Words Essay on Women's Day

The importance of Women's Day cannot be overstated. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about ongoing issues related to gender equality and women's rights. It is a time to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain in achieving gender equality. It's also a call to action to work towards creating a more inclusive world for all women.

However, the need for International Women's Day is not limited to just one day a year. It is a reminder of the ongoing struggles that women face, not just in developing countries but also in developed countries. For example, the #MeToo movement, which began in 2017, brought to light the widespread issue of sexual harassment and assault faced by women in the workplace. The movement sparked a global conversation about the need for change and led to a renewed commitment to creating a safer and more equitable workplace for women.

Another example of the ongoing struggles that women face is the gender pay gap. Despite progress in recent years, women continue to earn less than men in many countries, including developed countries like the United States. This not only affects women's financial well-being but also their ability to achieve financial independence and security.

International Women's Day is not just about highlighting the struggles and challenges that women face but also about celebrating their achievements and contributions to society. It is an opportunity to honor the trailblazers who have broken down barriers and paved the way for future generations of women. It is also a time to recognize the everyday heroes, the women who work tirelessly to improve their communities and the lives of those around them.

Story Of Melinda Gates

One real-life incident of a woman who is a prime example of success is the story of Melinda Gates. Melinda Gates is an American philanthropist, businesswoman, and former general manager at Microsoft. Along with her husband, Bill Gates, she co-chairs the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which is one of the largest private foundations in the world.

Melinda Gates began her career at Microsoft in the 1980s, where she worked as a product manager. She quickly climbed the ranks and became a general manager, overseeing the development of several successful products. Despite her success at Microsoft, she left the company in 1996 to focus on her family and her philanthropic work.

In 2000, Melinda and Bill Gates established the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which focuses on improving global health, reducing extreme poverty, and increasing access to technology. Under Melinda's leadership, the foundation has been instrumental in funding programs that have saved millions of lives, particularly in developing countries.

Melinda Gates is also an advocate for women's rights and gender equality. She has been vocal about the importance of investing in women and girls, and has worked to increase access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women around the world.

Melinda Gates is a prime example of success. Not only did she have a successful career at Microsoft, but she also dedicated her life to philanthropy and improving the lives of millions of people through her foundation. She is an advocate for women's rights and gender equality, and she is a role model for many women.

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Data are collected and examined to respond to questions, evaluate hypotheses or contradict theories. It is a tool for analyzing, transforming, modeling, and arranging data with useful knowledge, to assist in decision-making and methods, encompassing various strategies, and is used in different fields of business, research, and social science.

Geothermal Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.

Remote Sensing Technician

Individuals who opt for a career as a remote sensing technician possess unique personalities. Remote sensing analysts seem to be rational human beings, they are strong, independent, persistent, sincere, realistic and resourceful. Some of them are analytical as well, which means they are intelligent, introspective and inquisitive. 

Remote sensing scientists use remote sensing technology to support scientists in fields such as community planning, flight planning or the management of natural resources. Analysing data collected from aircraft, satellites or ground-based platforms using statistical analysis software, image analysis software or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a significant part of their work. Do you want to learn how to become remote sensing technician? There's no need to be concerned; we've devised a simple remote sensing technician career path for you. Scroll through the pages and read.

Geotechnical engineer

The role of geotechnical engineer starts with reviewing the projects needed to define the required material properties. The work responsibilities are followed by a site investigation of rock, soil, fault distribution and bedrock properties on and below an area of interest. The investigation is aimed to improve the ground engineering design and determine their engineering properties that include how they will interact with, on or in a proposed construction. 

The role of geotechnical engineer in mining includes designing and determining the type of foundations, earthworks, and or pavement subgrades required for the intended man-made structures to be made. Geotechnical engineering jobs are involved in earthen and concrete dam construction projects, working under a range of normal and extreme loading conditions. 

Cartographer

How fascinating it is to represent the whole world on just a piece of paper or a sphere. With the help of maps, we are able to represent the real world on a much smaller scale. Individuals who opt for a career as a cartographer are those who make maps. But, cartography is not just limited to maps, it is about a mixture of art , science , and technology. As a cartographer, not only you will create maps but use various geodetic surveys and remote sensing systems to measure, analyse, and create different maps for political, cultural or educational purposes.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysis, in a nutshell, entails thoroughly analyzing the details of a financial budget. The budget analysis aims to better understand and manage revenue. Budget analysts assist in the achievement of financial targets, the preservation of profitability, and the pursuit of long-term growth for a business. Budget analysts generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Financial Management is of prime importance in this career.

Product Manager

A Product Manager is a professional responsible for product planning and marketing. He or she manages the product throughout the Product Life Cycle, gathering and prioritising the product. A product manager job description includes defining the product vision and working closely with team members of other departments to deliver winning products.  

Underwriter

An underwriter is a person who assesses and evaluates the risk of insurance in his or her field like mortgage, loan, health policy, investment, and so on and so forth. The underwriter career path does involve risks as analysing the risks means finding out if there is a way for the insurance underwriter jobs to recover the money from its clients. If the risk turns out to be too much for the company then in the future it is an underwriter who will be held accountable for it. Therefore, one must carry out his or her job with a lot of attention and diligence.

Finance Executive

Operations manager.

Individuals in the operations manager jobs are responsible for ensuring the efficiency of each department to acquire its optimal goal. They plan the use of resources and distribution of materials. The operations manager's job description includes managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and performing administrative tasks.

Bank Probationary Officer (PO)

Investment director.

An investment director is a person who helps corporations and individuals manage their finances. They can help them develop a strategy to achieve their goals, including paying off debts and investing in the future. In addition, he or she can help individuals make informed decisions.

Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues. 

Transportation Planner

A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.

An expert in plumbing is aware of building regulations and safety standards and works to make sure these standards are upheld. Testing pipes for leakage using air pressure and other gauges, and also the ability to construct new pipe systems by cutting, fitting, measuring and threading pipes are some of the other more involved aspects of plumbing. Individuals in the plumber career path are self-employed or work for a small business employing less than ten people, though some might find working for larger entities or the government more desirable.

Construction Manager

Individuals who opt for a career as construction managers have a senior-level management role offered in construction firms. Responsibilities in the construction management career path are assigning tasks to workers, inspecting their work, and coordinating with other professionals including architects, subcontractors, and building services engineers.

Urban Planner

Urban Planning careers revolve around the idea of developing a plan to use the land optimally, without affecting the environment. Urban planning jobs are offered to those candidates who are skilled in making the right use of land to distribute the growing population, to create various communities. 

Urban planning careers come with the opportunity to make changes to the existing cities and towns. They identify various community needs and make short and long-term plans accordingly.

Highway Engineer

Highway Engineer Job Description:  A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.

Environmental Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems. 

Naval Architect

A Naval Architect is a professional who designs, produces and repairs safe and sea-worthy surfaces or underwater structures. A Naval Architect stays involved in creating and designing ships, ferries, submarines and yachts with implementation of various principles such as gravity, ideal hull form, buoyancy and stability. 

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

Veterinary Doctor

Pathologist.

A career in pathology in India is filled with several responsibilities as it is a medical branch and affects human lives. The demand for pathologists has been increasing over the past few years as people are getting more aware of different diseases. Not only that, but an increase in population and lifestyle changes have also contributed to the increase in a pathologist’s demand. The pathology careers provide an extremely huge number of opportunities and if you want to be a part of the medical field you can consider being a pathologist. If you want to know more about a career in pathology in India then continue reading this article.

Speech Therapist

Gynaecologist.

Gynaecology can be defined as the study of the female body. The job outlook for gynaecology is excellent since there is evergreen demand for one because of their responsibility of dealing with not only women’s health but also fertility and pregnancy issues. Although most women prefer to have a women obstetrician gynaecologist as their doctor, men also explore a career as a gynaecologist and there are ample amounts of male doctors in the field who are gynaecologists and aid women during delivery and childbirth. 

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

Hospital Administrator

The hospital Administrator is in charge of organising and supervising the daily operations of medical services and facilities. This organising includes managing of organisation’s staff and its members in service, budgets, service reports, departmental reporting and taking reminders of patient care and services.

For an individual who opts for a career as an actor, the primary responsibility is to completely speak to the character he or she is playing and to persuade the crowd that the character is genuine by connecting with them and bringing them into the story. This applies to significant roles and littler parts, as all roles join to make an effective creation. Here in this article, we will discuss how to become an actor in India, actor exams, actor salary in India, and actor jobs. 

Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats create and direct original routines for themselves, in addition to developing interpretations of existing routines. The work of circus acrobats can be seen in a variety of performance settings, including circus, reality shows, sports events like the Olympics, movies and commercials. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must be prepared to face rejections and intermittent periods of work. The creativity of acrobats may extend to other aspects of the performance. For example, acrobats in the circus may work with gym trainers, celebrities or collaborate with other professionals to enhance such performance elements as costume and or maybe at the teaching end of the career.

Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

Radio Jockey

Radio Jockey is an exciting, promising career and a great challenge for music lovers. If you are really interested in a career as radio jockey, then it is very important for an RJ to have an automatic, fun, and friendly personality. If you want to get a job done in this field, a strong command of the language and a good voice are always good things. Apart from this, in order to be a good radio jockey, you will also listen to good radio jockeys so that you can understand their style and later make your own by practicing.

A career as radio jockey has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. If you want to know more about a career as radio jockey, and how to become a radio jockey then continue reading the article.

Choreographer

The word “choreography" actually comes from Greek words that mean “dance writing." Individuals who opt for a career as a choreographer create and direct original dances, in addition to developing interpretations of existing dances. A Choreographer dances and utilises his or her creativity in other aspects of dance performance. For example, he or she may work with the music director to select music or collaborate with other famous choreographers to enhance such performance elements as lighting, costume and set design.

Videographer

Multimedia specialist.

A multimedia specialist is a media professional who creates, audio, videos, graphic image files, computer animations for multimedia applications. He or she is responsible for planning, producing, and maintaining websites and applications. 

Social Media Manager

A career as social media manager involves implementing the company’s or brand’s marketing plan across all social media channels. Social media managers help in building or improving a brand’s or a company’s website traffic, build brand awareness, create and implement marketing and brand strategy. Social media managers are key to important social communication as well.

Copy Writer

In a career as a copywriter, one has to consult with the client and understand the brief well. A career as a copywriter has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. Several new mediums of advertising are opening therefore making it a lucrative career choice. Students can pursue various copywriter courses such as Journalism , Advertising , Marketing Management . Here, we have discussed how to become a freelance copywriter, copywriter career path, how to become a copywriter in India, and copywriting career outlook. 

Careers in journalism are filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. One cannot afford to miss out on the details. As it is the small details that provide insights into a story. Depending on those insights a journalist goes about writing a news article. A journalism career can be stressful at times but if you are someone who is passionate about it then it is the right choice for you. If you want to know more about the media field and journalist career then continue reading this article.

For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion. 

Ever since internet costs got reduced the viewership for these types of content has increased on a large scale. Therefore, a career as a vlogger has a lot to offer. If you want to know more about the Vlogger eligibility, roles and responsibilities then continue reading the article. 

Individuals in the editor career path is an unsung hero of the news industry who polishes the language of the news stories provided by stringers, reporters, copywriters and content writers and also news agencies. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor make it more persuasive, concise and clear for readers. In this article, we will discuss the details of the editor's career path such as how to become an editor in India, editor salary in India and editor skills and qualities.

Linguistic meaning is related to language or Linguistics which is the study of languages. A career as a linguistic meaning, a profession that is based on the scientific study of language, and it's a very broad field with many specialities. Famous linguists work in academia, researching and teaching different areas of language, such as phonetics (sounds), syntax (word order) and semantics (meaning). 

Other researchers focus on specialities like computational linguistics, which seeks to better match human and computer language capacities, or applied linguistics, which is concerned with improving language education. Still, others work as language experts for the government, advertising companies, dictionary publishers and various other private enterprises. Some might work from home as freelance linguists. Philologist, phonologist, and dialectician are some of Linguist synonym. Linguists can study French , German , Italian . 

Public Relation Executive

Travel journalist.

The career of a travel journalist is full of passion, excitement and responsibility. Journalism as a career could be challenging at times, but if you're someone who has been genuinely enthusiastic about all this, then it is the best decision for you. Travel journalism jobs are all about insightful, artfully written, informative narratives designed to cover the travel industry. Travel Journalist is someone who explores, gathers and presents information as a news article.

Quality Controller

A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product. 

A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

Production Manager

Merchandiser.

A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans. 

Metallurgical Engineer

A metallurgical engineer is a professional who studies and produces materials that bring power to our world. He or she extracts metals from ores and rocks and transforms them into alloys, high-purity metals and other materials used in developing infrastructure, transportation and healthcare equipment. 

Azure Administrator

An Azure Administrator is a professional responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure Solutions. He or she manages cloud infrastructure service instances and various cloud servers as well as sets up public and private cloud systems. 

AWS Solution Architect

An AWS Solution Architect is someone who specializes in developing and implementing cloud computing systems. He or she has a good understanding of the various aspects of cloud computing and can confidently deploy and manage their systems. He or she troubleshoots the issues and evaluates the risk from the third party. 

Computer Programmer

Careers in computer programming primarily refer to the systematic act of writing code and moreover include wider computer science areas. The word 'programmer' or 'coder' has entered into practice with the growing number of newly self-taught tech enthusiasts. Computer programming careers involve the use of designs created by software developers and engineers and transforming them into commands that can be implemented by computers. These commands result in regular usage of social media sites, word-processing applications and browsers.

ITSM Manager

Information security manager.

Individuals in the information security manager career path involves in overseeing and controlling all aspects of computer security. The IT security manager job description includes planning and carrying out security measures to protect the business data and information from corruption, theft, unauthorised access, and deliberate attack 

Business Intelligence Developer

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An introduction to women’s history month.

Every year, March is designated as Women’s History Month—a month dedicated to honoring women’s contributions in US history.

Top image: Source:  “President Jimmy Carter Signs Proclamation Creating National Women’s History Week,” February 27, 1980, White House Staff Photographers Collection, Series: “Jimmy Carter's Presidential Photographs,” 1/20/1977-1/20/1981, available at https://catalog.archives.gov/id/135843911 .

“Women’s history is a women’s right—an essential, indispensable heritage from which we can draw pride, comfort, courage, and long-range vision.”— Gerda Lerner

The origins of Women’s History Month date back to 1978 in Santa Rosa, California, when the Education Task Force of Sonoma Country Commission on the Status of Women planned a “Women’s History Week” celebration during the week of March 8 to correspond with International Women’s Day. Led by Molly Murphy McGregor, a local teacher in Santa Rosa, the weeklong celebration highlighted women’s contributions to American history, culture, and society through presentations at dozens of schools throughout Sonoma County, California. Additionally, hundreds of students participated in an essay contest honoring local women, and the organization hosted a parade in downtown Santa Rosa.

Although the 1978 event was not intended to become an annual celebration, the following year, communities across the country organized their own women’s history celebrations. In July of the same year, historian Gerda Lerner chaired a 15-day conference on women’s history at Sarah Lawrence College, which was co-sponsored by the Women’s Action Alliance and the Smithsonian Institution. After the conference, historians and women’s activist groups began working together to lobby for a National Women’s History Week.

Their efforts proved successful when, in February 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 2–8, 1980, as National Women’s History Week. In Carter’s message to the nation, he stated,

“From the first settlers who came to our shores…men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung, and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.”

In 1981, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Representative Barbara Mikulski (D-Maryland) co-sponsored the first Joint Congressional Resolution, known as Pub. L. 97-28. The resolution, stated:

““Whereas American women of every race, class, and ethnic background helped found the Nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways as servants, slaves, nurses, nuns, homemakers, industrial workers, teachers, reformers, soldiers, and pioneers; Whereas American women have played and continue to play a critical economic, cultural, and social role in every sphere of our Nation’s life by constituting a significant portion of the labor force working in and outside of the home; Whereas American women have played a unique role throughout our history by providing the majority of the Nation’s volunteer labor force and have been particularly important in the establishment of early charitable philanthropic and cultural institutions in the country; Whereas American women of every race, class, and ethnic background served as early leaders in the forefront of every major progressive social change movement, not only to secure their own right of suffrage and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the industrial labor union movement, and the modern civil rights movement; and Whereas despite these contributions, the role of American women in history has been consistently overlooked and undervalued in the body of American history: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United Women’s States of America in Congress assembled, That the week beginning History Week. March 7, 1982, is designated as ‘Women's History Week.”

Congress approved the resolution on August 4, 1981, and requested that President Ronald Reagan issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe “Women’s History Week” with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.” Throughout the next several years, Congress repeatedly passed joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week,” prompting schools and women’s organizations across the country to host their own celebrations and commemorations.

In 1987, after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project (NWHA), a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring and preserving women’s history, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9, which proclaimed March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Since 1988, Congress and the president have annually issued resolutions and proclamations declaring March as Women’s History Month. According to the NWHA, “These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.”

Women in World War II

The importance of women during World War II cannot be understated. During the war, more than 19 million American women were employed in the workforce, and 350,000 women served in the US Armed Forces. Outside of the United States, women also served their nations in a myriad of ways. For a comprehensive narrative of the various roles women played during World War II, see the following book list:

• Annette Dumbach and Jud Newborn, Sophie Scholl and the White Rose , (Oneworld Publications, 2018).
• Charity Adams Earley , One Woman's Army: A Black Officer Remembers the WAC , (Texas A&M University Press, 1995).
• Mari K. Eder, The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II , (Sourcebooks, 2022).
• Celia Lee and Paul Strong, Women in War: From Home Front to Front Line , (Pen and Sword Military, 2012).
• Evelyn Monahan and Rosemary Neidel-Greenlee, And If I Perish: Frontline U.S. Army Nurses in World War II , (Anchor Books, 2004).
• Sarah Rose, D-Day Girls: The Spies Who Armed the Resistance, Sabotaged the Nazis, and Helped Win World War II , (New York: Crown Publishing Group, 2019).

Jennifer Popowycz, PhD

Jennifer Popowycz, PhD is the Leventhal Research Fellow at The National WWII Museum. Her research focuses on the Eastern Front and Nazi occupation policies in Eastern Europe in World War II. 

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The Second Great Fire of London: 'A Dreadful Masterpiece'

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Women's History Month

• Women at Wentworth
• Women's Voices: Authors & Creators
• Organizations & Activism

Real Women Essay Contest

When Women's History Week was first celebrated in Sonoma California, K-12 students participated in a "Real Women" Essay Contest. The students were challenged to find a woman in their daily lives that they regarded as heroic, and write about her impact on them and the greater community. This essay contest has continued in communities all over the country as Women's History Week evolved into the National Women's History Month we know today. The prompt has changed over the years to include many different types of writing styles and themes, but the purpose of the essay contest has not: to challenge students to recognize the many female role models that surround them every day of the year. Check out the links below to see how the contest is being promoted and structured today.

• Berkshire Real Women's Creative Writing Contest
• Hawaii Real Women Essay Contest Celebration
• ERIC Real Essay Women Instruction Ideas
• Florida Women's History Essay Contest
• Women on Writing Contest

What is Women's History Month?

Women's history month owes its creation to an initiative in the sonoma, california school district. in 1978, the community of sonoma spent the first week of march learning about women's contributions to culture and society. the celebrations included learning initiatives in schools and the community, a parade, and an essay writing contest called "real women," where students collected oral histories of women in their community they admired. the initiative spread quickly, and by 1980 president jimmy carter gave the first presidential proclamation of women's history week, taking place on march 8th to coincide with international women's day. six years later, the week was extended to include the whole of march and is still celebrated nationally and declared by the president each year. , presidential proclamation, first presidential proclamation for women's history week, the first presidential proclamation for women's history was given by president jimmy carter in 1980 to declare a national women's history week. six years later, it was changed to a month long celebration. here is some of the text of that proclamation:, "i ask my fellow americans to recognize this heritage with appropriate activities during national women’s history week, march 2-8, 1980. i urge libraries, schools, and community organizations to focus their observances on the leaders who struggled for equality – – susan b. anthony, sojourner truth, lucy stone, lucretia mott, elizabeth cady stanton, harriet tubman, and alice paul. understanding the true history of our country will help us to comprehend the need for full equality under the law for all our people.this goal can be achieved by ratifying the 27th amendment to the united states constitution, which states that “equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the united states or by any state on account of sex."- president jimmy carter., 2024 women's history month presidential proclamation, this proclamation was given february 29th to officially declare this year's women's history month, which the library hopes you will join us in celebrating below is a portion of president biden's speech:, " throughout history, the vision and achievements of powerful women have strengthened our nation and opened the doors of opportunity wider for all of us.  though their stories too often go untold, all of us stand on the shoulders of these sung and unsung trailblazers — from the women who took a stand as suffragists, abolitionists, and labor leaders to pioneering scientists and engineers, groundbreaking artists, proud public servants, and brave members of our armed forces." - president joseph r. biden..

• 2024 Presidential Proclamation

National Women's History Month Resources

• Women's History Month at the Library of Congress Explore women's history exhibits from the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. These exhibits include audio, video, and digital recreations of important documents and artifacts.
• National Women's History Alliance This women's group was part of the movement to turn National Women's History Week into a month. Each year they set their own theme and host virtual celebrations all month long.
• Anti-Defamation League's Women's History Month Resources This resource compiles lesson plans for kids and adults on topics regarding women's history and gender equality. It also includes references to educational literature for all ages and tools and tips to combat gender discrimination.
• Next: Women at Wentworth >>
• Last Updated: Feb 29, 2024 8:01 PM
• URL: https://library.wit.edu/womens-history-month

Douglas D. Schumann Library & Learning Commons Wentworth Institute of Technology 550 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA 02115

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When is Women's History Month? Everything you need to know

Throughout Women’s History Month , we celebrate the contributions of strong women from the past and present. While it’s important to celebrate women all year long, Congress sets aside one month each year to recognize the sacrifices made by women, for women, to help make our country — and world, rather — a fairer, safer place for all.

President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation in 1980 declaring the week of March 8th as National Women’s History Week. The weekly observance continued until 1987 when Congress designated March as Women’s History Month. But Women's History Month's roots go much deeper, starting with suffragists fighting for women to get the vote in the early 20th century.

Keep reading to find out why Women’s History Month is celebrated in March, plus other facts you might not know about the month-long celebration.

When is Women's History Month?

Women’s History Month is celebrated annually in March. It started as Women’s Day, which was celebrated on Feb. 28, 1909, by a group of Manhattan socialists and suffragists in honor of the one-year anniversary of the garment strike led by the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union. History contributor Sarah Pruitt tells TODAY.com that this meeting was held on a Sunday so that people would not miss work.

In March 1910, German activist Clara Zetkin suggested that International Women’s Day be recognized as an international holiday at the International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen — and all 17 countries in attendance agreed.

So, on March 18, 1911, Europeans finally followed suit in recognizing International Women’s Day, while Americans continued to rally for Women’s Day on the last Sunday in February until the 1970s.

How — and when — did it become a month-long celebration?

The holiday wasn’t widely celebrated in America until the United Nations recognized it in 1970s. Later that decade, a task force in California created Women’s History Week to persuade schools to comply with recently passed Title IX laws. And, in March 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared that March 8 was officially the start of National Women’s History Week. 

By 1987, Congress designated March as Women’s History Month.

Why do we celebrate Women’s History Month?

Not only is Women’s History Month a time of reflection, but it's also a moment to recognize how the efforts and bravery of past generations continues to pave the way for females today.

To celebrate, you can attend local events, shop female-founded businesses or simply honor the women who make a difference in your life: your mom, grandmother, sister, teacher, boss, mentor and so on.

Important dates to celebrate during Women's History Month

Although Women’s History Month celebrations take place all throughout March, there are some important dates to add to your calendar.

• International Women’s Day still takes place on March 8.
• On March 13, 1913, the Women’s Suffrage Parade in Washington, D.C., took place, where more than 8,000 women gathered to demand a constitutional amendment guaranteeing their right to vote.
• On March 22, 1972, the Equal Rights Amendment was passed in the Senate.

Some women who will inspire you

• Summersalt creators on why female founders shouldn't be too 'realistic'
• How one Indian American woman built a makeup brand for fellow ‘brown girls'
• Meet the founder who is revolutionizing fashion with your old socks

Throughout the month of March,  TODAY.com  is celebrating women across generations who have made history and continue to move the conversation forward by breaking stigmas, sparking dialogue and inspiring the next generation.

Madeline Merinuk is a writer and newsletter editor at TODAY.com where she reports on pop culture, lifestyle and trending news. She's a graduate of Hofstra University with a B.A. in Journalism.

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A Woman in Today's’ Society is a Woman with Power

by Andrienne A. Espiritu, CED-IDS | Mar 09 2020

In 2019, the Department of English of the College of Arts and Social Sciences conducted the 2nd Women's Month on-the-spot essay writing contest. 

This year's Women's Month, the Institute is featuring the winning entries of last year's essay writing competition. 

Below is the  2nd runner up essay entry written by Andrienne A. Espiritu of MSU-IIT Integrated Developmental School.

Woman. Who is she to people? Is she the Mother who lights a house with Grace and sacrifice? Is she the fiery member of the workplace who works day and night with the vision of hum but never the roar. Is she the shadow of a weary man’s success? Woman, always the essential darkness of somebody else’s night.

Throughout history, women have been marginalized and oppressed in this patriarchal society. They are often subjected to lesser roles and menial jobs; or worse, not expected to work at all. Society has always put women as an extension or being next to men. Because of this, they have learned to slowly blend in the background, to work behind the scenes, to stay silent in a world dominated by men. But when a staggering fifty percent of the world’s population is oppressed and forced to stay on the wayside, it does not take long for them to realize their worth, to start seeing a world where they may be significant. The role of women has drastically changed over the course of history, thanks to people who fought for women’s rights. However, we have not completely eradicated the division between men and women. In some parts of the globe, there are still people who stereotype women, immediately assuming they are of lesser roles, classifying them as housewives, or denying them opportunities. There are several cultures that believe a woman exists only so that she can be sold, married, and be of service to men. There are many practices that we are blind too because some of us are privileged enough to live in a society where women are rising to the same roles as men. Ironically, there are still women who have not realized their worth and freedom, women who continue to be oppressed, abused, and treated as objects. And it is up to the empowered women to raise the marginalized women along with them.

We have taught women to build themselves smaller than men. Taught them that if they can offer thunder and the man can only produce a mere clap, then they should stay silent instead. Women have shrunk themselves to a size men can conveniently handle. They try to fit in the small boxes this society has built for them when clearly, they are made for something much bigger. They stay at home brewing ideas with the knowledge that if they come out of the world, it would be a magnificent sight. Despite the struggles that women have been through and continue to go through, nothing stops them from achieving their absolute best. When we look back in history, we can see that many women have excelled in fields traditionally assigned to men or believed only men can achieve.  For example, Ada Lovelace, known to be the first computer program. Who would have thought that a woman could also excel in an area dominated by men? Marie Curie, the first person to win a Nobel prize twice in two different fields of science. She paved the way for many discoveries we now have. There was Frida Kahlo, whose bold paintings opened up conversations on taboo topics about women. These women had the courage to jump through loops, to go through needle-sized holes with the knowledge that the pathway towards success for women is laid out with more swerves and bumps. These women and many other women who fought courageously have shed light on women’s contributions in today’s society.

The women that we see today are empowered women. They continue to contribute to various aspects and excel at what they do. They radiate motivation and exude excellence; they are pioneers of change. They are equipped with the knowledge that they have the ability to change the world. They are no longer afraid to step out into the light. From the many years of living in the shadows, they have come to realize that the light they’ve been taught to stay away from is a brightness they yearn. To bathe in this light is not a fault, to find happiness in recognition is not something to be ashamed of. In this modern world, women are foundations for success. They venture into the world not as inferior beings but as equal partners alongside men. They explore new ideas and touch topics they’ve been afraid to open up before. They inspire other people. Children too looked up to women. The daughters of today’s society are filled with hope knowing that they are able to grow in a healthy world where they are not criticized for being a woman. The women of today are leaders, achievers, innovators; they are power with grace, a strict motivator with an inborn sense of love and compassion.

They say a woman finally becomes herself when she speaks without permission. And every word, every action, every deed that a woman does today without fear of being judged is a justice for all women who have fiercely fought the battle for equality. Woman. Who is she to the people? She is the raging anthem for every hopeful soul and the burning fire that swallows all fear and darkness. She is the figure that does not only stand up for herself but for thousands of other women who stand alongside her. She is no longer confined into darkness; rather, she dances underneath the warm light. She is fearless with her mouth and tongue and the unfailing courage to speak up. She is unbothered by society’s double standards and she will fight for her rights and the rights of other women who do not have voices to speak their truth. She is a woman. Fearless and brave- everything a woman is born to be.

_____________________________________________

Andrienne is an 18-year-old senior high school student from MSU-IIT IDS and is currently enrolled in the STEM strand. Her dream of becoming a board-certified ObGyn stems from the fact that she wants to dedicate her professional life working with women and empowering them. She strongly believes in being environmentally conscious and tries her best to practice an eco-friendly way of living. When she is not caught up in academic work, she likes to bake, write, watch slam poetry videos, and binge-watch tv shows. She is slowly learning to appreciate parts of herself society forces her to discard; she hopes to help others do the same.

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Women’s History Month 2024: What it means to me

Noaa employees on advice they would give to their younger selves.

MARCH, 1942: Students participate in a science experiment at a school in Washington, D.C. (Image credit: Marjory Collins, Courtesy of the Library of Congress)

March is National Women’s History Month , an opportunity to celebrate pioneering women in American history, while turning an eye to the contributions women are making — and will make — to society, especially in career fields historically inaccessible to women.

In this video series, #WomenOfNOAA share advice they would give to their younger selves.

Xin Lan: Greenhouse Gas Scientist, Global Monitoring Laboratory

Xin views Women’s History Month as a time for celebration and reflection, and an opportunity to remember that women are not treated equally throughout the world. 

If given the opportunity to share advice with her younger self, she would say that despite what she was told by others, girls can grow up to be great scientists.

Kayelyn Simmons: Oceanographer, Atlantic Oceanographic & Meteorological Laboratory

Kayelyn celebrates Women’s History Month by shopping at women-owned businesses and participating in a number of activities, including scuba diving, martial arts and spear fishing.

What advice would she give to her younger self? To have more confidence in her academic abilities, for starters.

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College of letters & science women's & gender studies.

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MPS Essay Contest

Annual mps middle and high-school essay contest: wisconsin women making history, guidelines and entry form.

• 2023 MPS Contest Instructions
• MPS Notable Women List
• 2023 MPS Essay Contest Submission Form

Essay Contest Purpose

In honor of March as Women’s History month, the UWM Women’s & Gender Studies invites middle-school and high-school students from the Milwaukee Public Schools to explore and celebrate the histories of Wisconsin women by participating in our annual essay contest.

Wisconsin women have had a diverse and complex history both before and after the territory of Wisconsin became a state in 1848. Many have raised families, educated children, and worked in their communities as volunteers. Others have held paid jobs and pursued careers, combining family and work responsibilities.

However, their contributions to Wisconsin have often remained invisible, because historians have only recently considered activities by women as worthy of attention. Most women’s lives and experiences are still unknown. To reclaim the history of the private lives and public roles of Wisconsin women is to discover how people lived and what they valued. Until we know what women did and thought and experienced, we will only know half the story.

The purpose of the essay contest, Wisconsin Women Making History, is to help tell the other half of the story. You can be a part of the process: Explore and learn about the amazing and courageous contributions women have made, and continue to make, to our communities, cities, and state.

Wisconsin Women Making History

Students are to choose one Wisconsin woman, of any background and from any historical period (including the present), and write about that woman’s contribution to her community, city, town, or to the state of Wisconsin. We encourage students to use a variety of ways to gather information, including interviews and community or school library resources. Please see our list of 50 Notable Wisconsin Women to help get students started.

Judges will choose winning essays at the middle and high school levels. Winners will receive a monetary award and be invited to attend the annual Women’s & Gender Studies Student Awards Ceremony held in March, which is Women’s History month. All participants will receive a certificate of achievement. Essays will not be returned; students should make a personal copy if they wish to retain their work. Winners will receive gift cards.

• Essays should include a persuasive explanation of why the student chose to focus on a particular woman and what this woman means to the student.
• Essays should be well organized, with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Essays should make use of evidence, and should include specific examples.
• Students should identify their sources of information in footnotes, in the body of the essay, or in a works cited page.
• Essays should be well written, with proper punctuation, grammar, and spelling.

Essay Contest Rules

• ALL MPS middle and high school students , grades 5-12 are eligible.
• Essays should be between 300 and 1000 words typed using 12 point professional font , double-spaced, and one inch margins on all sides.
• Essays should have an original title (not contest name) at the top of the first page.
• Do not include your name on the essay. Your name should only appear on the entry form.
• Include a completed 2023 Entry Form with your essay. Photocopies of an entry form are acceptable.
• Students should sign an entry form and ask their teacher to do the same to certify that the essay is an original work.
• Entries should be mailed by the deadline of February 28, 2023 to:

Or via email:

To: [email protected] Subject: MPS Contest Submission/Last Name

Contact the Women’s & Gender Studies office at [email protected] for deadline and other information.

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Republic of the Philippines Philippine Commission on Women

National Women’s Month

The National Women’s Month Celebration has its roots in the recognition of International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8th, a historical event stemming from the organizing efforts of women in the early 20th Century. Between 1909 and 1911, working women in the United States, united under  the National Women’s Trade Union League and other groups, protested against low wages, lack of protective legislation, and harsh working conditions.

These demonstrations were a response to the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in March 1911 in New York City, claiming the lives of over 140 working girls, primarily Italian and Jewish immigrants. The subsequent observances of IWD invoked the appalling working conditions and unfair labor practices leading up to the disaster.

In Europe, Clara Zetkin and the Socialist Women’s International advocated for March 8th to be recognized as International Women’s Day, annually celebrating working women worldwide. This celebration has left an indelible mark on historical events, including inspiring the general strike that initiated the Russian Revolution in St. Petersburg in 1917, where 10,000 women textile workers voiced their concerns.

IWD gained official recognition by the United Nations as a day to celebrate women’s contributions to societies globally. In the Philippines, the National Women’s Month Celebration has become a platform to spotlight women’s accomplishments and address ongoing and emerging issues related to women’s empowerment and gender equality. The focus is on concrete activities aligned with national and international agreements, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Beijing Platform for Action, the Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development (1995-2025), the Framework Plan for Women, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Legal Mandates

The passage of the following laws serves as the legal bases for the celebration of National Women’s Month:

Proclamation No. 224 s. 1988 ,  “Declaring the First Week of March of Every Year as Women’s Week and March 8, 1988, and Every Year Thereafter as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day.” Signed by former President Corazon C. Aquino on March 1, 1988, it affirmed our solidarity with the United Nations and recognized Filipino women’s contribution to the struggle for national independence, civil liberties, equality, and human rights.

Proclamation No, 227 s. 1988 ,  “Providing for the observance of the Month of March as ‘Women’s Role in History Month’ ”  Signed by President Aquino on March 17, 1988, reinforced the earlier proclamation by emphasizing the role of Filipino women in the social, cultural, economic and political development throughout our history. It provided for a month-long nationwide observance with appropriate ceremonies and activities to be spearheaded by the Commission.

R.A. 6949 s. 1990 ,  “An Act to Declare March Eight of Every Year as a Working Special Holiday to be Known as National Women’s Day” was signed by President Aquino on April 10, 1990. The law further strengthened the impetus for the celebration by declaring every March 8 as a special working holiday and enjoining employees from the government and private sector to participate in activities conducted by their offices.

2023-2028 Theme

The 2024 National Women’s Month Celebration aims to capitalize on the recurring theme “ WE for gender equality and inclusive society ,” introduced in 2023. This theme, launched to renew commitment to the advocacy, builds upon the accomplishments under the 2016-2022 theme, “WE Make CHANGE Work for Women.” The earlier theme stressed the importance of compassionate and harmonized networks towards gender equality and women’s empowerment (GEWE).

The banner for this annual campaign is both a positive affirmation and a call to action. It is a testament to the milestones achieved in closing gender gaps in the country and in gathering more support to the advocacy. In the 2023 Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI) Report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the Philippines maintains its status as the leading Asian country in narrowing the gender gap. The country has attained 79.1 percent gender parity, securing the 16th position out of 146 countries globally—a rise of three places from its previous ranking. In the East Asia and the Pacific region, the Philippines holds the second spot among its neighboring countries, trailing only behind New Zealand. Notably, it stands as the sole Asian nation within the top twenty, with Singapore following at the 49th position. The Global Gender Gap Index evaluates gender equality and progress across four crucial dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Political Empowerment, and Health and Survival.

The recurring theme also aligns with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 , which aims for “deep economic and social transformation to reinvigorate job creation and accelerate poverty reduction by steering the economy back on a high-growth path.” The plan also highlights that growth must be inclusive, building an environment that provides equal opportunities to all Filipinos and equipping them with skills to participate fully in an innovative and globally competitive economy.

Elements of the Theme

WE represents Women and Everyone , highlighting the collective responsibility for gender equality, not solely resting on women but involving everyone. WE also symbolizes Women’s Empowerment , a goal achievable when various entities, ranging from agencies and institutions to private partners and duty-bearers at national and local levels, ensure women equal rights and opportunities. The active participation of women in seizing these opportunities is also essential. Through the collaborative efforts of women and everyone, achieving gender equality becomes a tangible possibility.

Gender Equality constitutes the first component of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) advocacy, representing the fundamental goal in advancing women’s rights. The theme underscores the need for accelerated action to intensify efforts toward this crucial aspiration. According to the Global Gender Gap Report, progress is slow, with the global gender gap closing at only 68.4%. At this rate, achieving complete parity would require 131 years. It must also be noted that no country has yet attained full gender parity.

Despite this extended timeline, the struggle for gender equality today is an investment in a more inclusive and improved future, even if the complete realization may extend beyond our current generations. The phrase gender equality is also preceded by the word “for”, signifying our call to women and everyone to advocate for, take action on, and promote equality and inclusivity. 

Inclusive society goes beyond a gender-responsive approach; it champions a society that surpasses the distinctions  in SOGIE, class, ability, generation, status, and culture. It envisions a society where every individual, each endowed with rights and responsibilities, plays an active role. Equality and inclusion are interwoven elements of the  GEWE advocacy, emphasizing the importance of fostering a society that embraces and celebrates diversity.

LIPUNANG PATAS SA BAGONG PILIPINAS: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patunayan!

WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society

We Make Change Work for Women

Kapakanan ni Juana, Isama sa Agenda!

Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!

Juana, ang Tatag Mo ay Tatag Natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong!

Kababaihan: Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan

Women Weathering Climate Change: Governance and Accountability, Everyone’s Responsibility

Magna Carta of Women, The Philippine CEDAW

BABAE, Tagumpay ka ng Bayan!

BABAE, yaman ka ng Bayan!

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Women’s History Month: Women Wield More Economic Power

For Women's History Month, we're highlighting a new study that shows how women are increasing their financial independence.

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March is Women’s History Month, an annual celebration of the contributions, achievements and impacts of powerful women throughout history. One thing worth celebrating this March is women’s increasing economic power. 

Women’s History Month started on March 7, 1982, as “Women’s History Week” and continued every year until 1987, until it was extended to include the entire month of March. Thanks to petitioning from the National Women’s History Project, every March from then on was declared “Women’s History Month'' and dedicated to recognizing achievements women have made over the course of history. Both International Women’s Day and Equal Pay Day are also celebrated in the month of March.

What better time than now to shine a light on the large number of women taking on more financial responsibility? More and more women achieve greater financial independence despite facing economic hurdles. 

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This Women's History Month, women are taking on more financial responsibility

Allianz Life recently released their 2023 Women, Money and Power Study , which shows a significant number of women taking on more financial responsibility. Although women weren’t allowed to open a credit card until 1974, that hasn’t stopped them — the study found that nearly half of all women (49%) consider themselves their household’s CFO, compared to 41% in 2021. And for married women, there’s an even higher jump — 34% in 2021 to 43% in 2023.

Furthermore, the study also found that the number of women who identify as the primary breadwinners in their families has increased from 34% in 2021 to 43% in 2023. This was most commonly felt among millennial women. Additionally, 51% of women reported that they felt more financially savvy than their spouse or partner.

The study also found a correlation between women’s increased financial independence and the number of women seeking financial guidance from a professional. Currently, one in three women (33%) meet with a financial professional, up from just 26% in 2021. 

"A great first step for anyone is to increase their knowledge around investing, budgeting, and general financial planning," Jaime Eckels , a certified financial planner and Wealth Management Partner with Plante Moran Financial Advisors tells Kiplinger. 

Professional guidance can help women develop a long-term financial strategy, which in turn bolsters financial confidence  — something many women are still lacking. In fact, 73% of women wish they would have met with a financial professional sooner.

A study from Achieve found that 68% of women are either “not very” or “not at all” confident in their outlook for the economy in 2024, compared to 57% of men. And Allianz found that women are feeling less secure financially than they did in the past, with only 64% of women saying they feel secure, compared to 72% in 2021. Just 52% of women reported feeling confident about their retirement plans. 

“What we found in the study that’s interesting is that while more women are the breadwinners and CFOs of their household, there isn’t always a strong sense of financial security," Heidi Vanderkloot , head of FMO distribution at Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, tells Kiplinger. "We can conclude that economic resources don’t necessarily translate to financial confidence. In the study, we asked women about their main worries and what keeps them up at night. The top worries were running out of money in retirement, rising costs of health insurance, and loss of a significant other."

The gender pay gap impacts women's ability to save

Although women increasingly take financial matters into their own hands, they still face economic inequalities. A substantial hurdle women have to face is the gender pay gap — the difference in median hourly earnings between men and women who work full or part-time. In the U.S., women earn 84 cents for every dollar a man makes, meaning women have to work longer than men just to earn the same amount . A woman has to work about 14.5 months to earn the same as a man in 12 months. The gap in wages cannot be explained by one singular reason, but instead persists due to multiple factors — like occupational segregation, educational attainment and gender discrimination. The gender pay gap significantly impacts women's capacity to save, putting them at a disadvantage.

"It’s not uncommon for a woman to take a break early in her career to care for children or aging parents, which can mean they miss out on salary increases and career advancements. Even moving to a part-time position can mean they may not be eligible for full benefits like 401k contributions or healthcare coverage," says Eckels.

In fact, women have significantly less saved in 401(k)s than men — with the average account balance for men being 50% greater than that of women, according to BofA’s 2023 Financial Life Benefits Impact Report . 

"This can create financial planning obstacles because saving early allows people to maximize time for their investments to grow and compound — meaning a loss of income opportunity early in a career can have a big impact on retirement savings down the road," explains Eckels. "And because women typically live longer than men, their retirement savings are particularly important."

In 2020, women reported annual contributions to retirement accounts that were around 30% lower than men’s contributions. Furthermore, according to Achieve, 45% of women reported having zero emergency savings, compared to 32% of men.

However, you can alleviate these worries. "Writing down a long-term financial plan is a great example that can help many people feel more confident in their finances and where they’re headed for the future," shares Vanderkloot. "A strong strategy will include ways to address risks that could cause them to spend down their savings faster than expected during retirement. Those risk management strategies could include adding financial products like an annuity that offers a level of protection from risks to their portfolio like market volatility, inflation and longevity.” 

Related Content

• Here's How Long Women Have to Work to Earn the Same as Men
• What Every Woman Needs to Know Before Retiring
• Women and Money: Three Ways to Plan for the Future as Life Happens

Erin pairs personal experience with research and is passionate about sharing personal finance advice with others. Previously, she was a freelancer focusing on the credit card side of finance, but has branched out since then to cover other aspects of personal finance. Erin is well-versed in traditional media with reporting, interviewing and research, as well as using graphic design and video and audio storytelling to share with her readers.

Figuring out when it’s time and knowing how to talk about it are just the start. You also need info about estate plans, insurance and health care decisions.

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Opportunity zones, Delaware statutory trusts and real estate income funds can help investors maximize gains and mitigate taxes.

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Social Security Matters

Women’s history month and social security.

March 21, 2024 • By BJ Jarrett, Acting Deputy Associate Commissioner

Last Updated: March 21, 2024

Social Security continue s to help women like Ida – and all people – with their retirement benefits. In fact, we’ve paid roughly $16.2 trillion to retired worker beneficiaries as of December 2023. Women retirees received about 43% – or $7 trillion – of that total.  

Are you ready to retire and want to learn more about your future benefits? Start now by signing up for a personal  my  Social Security account . Through your account, you can view your Social Security Statement to get estimates of future benefits and other important planning information. You can also review your full earnings history with a personal account. 

Are you age 70 or older – and not getting your Social Security benefits?  Learn how to apply for the benefits you’re owed in this important article.  

Our online booklet, Social Security: What Every Woman Should Know , provides detailed information about how life events can affect a woman’s Social Security retirement benefits. These events may include marriage, death of a spouse, divorce, self-employment, and other life or career changes. Two additional resources – our Retirement and Social Security for Women webpages – provide further details to help you navigate the process.    

Social Security is with you through life’s journey, just as we were back in Ida’s day. We invite you to learn more about  applying for retirement benefits  on our website.  

Please share this information with your friends and family – and post it on social media.  

Did you find this Information helpful?

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About the Author

Bj jarrett, acting deputy associate commissioner, related articles, social security administration expands outreach and access for supplemental security income, social security servicios for the hispanic community, my social security: what to know about signing up or signing in, our new customer feedback survey helps us serve you better.

March 25, 2024 7:02AM

I appreciate the valuable insights you provide in your articles. I’ll be sure to bookmark your blog and return regularly for updates. I’m confident I’ll discover plenty of new information here! Best of luck with your future posts!

March 24, 2024 1:58PM

Overpayments are being pursued by Individuals claiming to be with the social security administration and are threatening individuals, companies, employers not to hire or do business with the Individuals the social security administration is pursuing with the alleged secretive debt they’re not suppose to know exists. The social security administration debt collectors tell neighbors, family, acquaintances and anyone their targeted Individual comes across, that they’re intentionally causing poverty because the individual is in a POVERTY PROGRAM which belongs to the SSA. They laugh and smile about the oppression and despair they are causing. They tell people that the Individual has “debt” that they are “not suppose to know about” and the community tells them, then why are y’all after them? If they are not allowed to work or know that a debt exist? And they simply smile and mention all the money theyre making while the government is WASTING money.

March 21, 2024 5:01PM

I feel there is so much our Government has messed with our SS. Esienhower shut off Governement workers such as Post office retirees, cannot get SS. Even though one may have worked at other employment before going to work a Government job. It’s unfair. It’s also unfair with the way the SS or our Governement has setup the distribution to widows. Why can’t they get the full amount their spouse was getting instead of cutting them down to half? Also, I just found out, a widow cannot collect on two husbands SS. I don’t when that changed as I know, my stepmother was able to collect from both her first and my dad’s SS. The Government needs to go back and read the rules in which SS was setup from the beginning and go back to it. Who gave them the right to change the rules?

March 23, 2024 9:50AM

You are misinformed, no one ever was able to get paid SS from two different husbands at the same time. If you are married, and your spouse is drawing their SS when they pass away, you will get 100% of what they are paid if it is more than what you are currently drawing on your own earnings.

March 24, 2024 6:46PM

Why can’t those of us who have become widows not receive the full amount of our husbands full SS benefits? Not only are we dealing with our overwhelming grief we lose our SS benefits and we receive only a portion of our husbands benefits. I lost $1000.00 of income a month while dealing with my grief. Our government should be ashamed of how all widows are treated

March 26, 2024 8:54AM

We’re sorry for your loss, Pamela. The amount of your surviving spouse benefit is based on several factors, including your age. Generally, if you were younger than full (survivors) retirement age when you started your survivors benefit, you receive less than your husband’s full Social Security benefit. If you were full retirement age or older when your husband passed away, you may receive his full Social Security benefit. However, if you get a government pension for work not covered by Social Security, your survivors benefit may be reduced by the Government Pension Offset (GPO). To learn how GPO may affect your survivors benefits, visit our Benefits Planner . If you need additional help with your situation, you can contact your local Social Security office or call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.

March 21, 2024 3:02PM

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION is being RANSACKED FROM WITHIN by their very own OIG, CDI PROGRAM UNIT, overseers, contractors and affiliates. They are intentionally causing financial hardships, blocking all types of income so you can’t progress, poisoning people by giving them unknown substance without their knowledge by threatening an paying someone who usually would have access to your nutrition to put these things into your food and beverages. Finding and USING (doppelgangers) people that look like you to report or say that you been places that you never actually been or at that moment. They intentionally block all opportunities for income and also online sources of income so don’t think being an online trader will work. All these while they threaten and pay people “to not say anything” it’s a secret” “they’re not suppose to know” ” don’t tell them” meanwhile they threaten people to make FALSE statements about the individual and force them to believe conspiracies and many FALSE theories of the reasons why this is OCCURING. SSA is a POVERTY PROGRAM is what they claim to keep you unemployed and isolated. The SSA OIG routinely deal in RACKETEERING, CONSPIRACY AND FRAUD. RANSACKING THE ADMINISTRATION FROM WITHIN.

March 21, 2024 9:30PM

Looks like you have a lot of opinions and ideas that we need sources for your information. In general Social Security is a godsend for all Americans and I hope the program is protected and run correctly forever. In the wealthiest country on Earth no one should risk abject poverty in their elder years.

March 21, 2024 3:01PM

Please remove and clear the 2020 Overpayment Payment Center Cases please as the Social Security Administration AGREED to do so along with the Courts and Congress. Start by removing the NON RECIPIENTS, as those are the most affected.

March 21, 2024 2:42PM

Do Railroad employees qualify for Social Security benefits?

March 21, 2024 3:57PM

Lorri – RR workers are almost always entitled to SS benefits. If the SS benefit is higher than RR Tier 1 they can get the difference. It’s a dollar-for-dollar reduction in Tier 1 of RR. You can’t get benefits for the same earnings from both RR and SS.

March 22, 2024 3:41PM

Hello social security administration, Congress and the Courts, y’all AGREED to remove and clear the 2020 Overpayment Payment Center Cases. What’s taking so Long? Please start removing the NON RECIPIENTS first please, thank you

March 26, 2024 9:08AM

Hi, Lorri. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. If you don’t qualify for a pension from the Railroad Retirement Board , your railroad industry earnings may count toward your Social Security credits . You can learn more about Social Security and Railroad earnings here . If you have questions about your eligibility for Social Security, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.

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I Hope You All Feel Terrible Now

How the internet—and Stephen Colbert—hounded Kate Middleton into revealing her diagnosis

Updated at 4:04 p.m ET on March 22, 2024

For many years, the most-complained-about cover of the British satirical magazine Private Eye was the one it published in the week after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997. At the time, many people in Britain were loudly revolted by the tabloid newspapers that had hounded Diana after her divorce from Charles, and by the paparazzi whose quest for profitable pictures of the princess ended in an underpass in Paris.

Under the headline “Media to Blame,” the Eye cover carried a photograph of a crowd outside Buckingham Palace, with three speech bubbles. The first was: “The papers are a disgrace.” The next two said: “Yeah, I couldn’t get one anywhere” and “Borrow mine, it’s got a picture of the car.” People were furious. Sacks of angry, defensive mail arrived for days afterward, and several outlets withdrew the magazine from sale. (I am an Eye contributor, and these events have passed into office legend.) But with the benefit of hindsight, the implication was accurate: Intruding on the private lives of the royals is close to a British tradition. We Britons might have the occasional fit of remorse, but that doesn’t stop us. And now, because of the internet, everyone else can join in too.

Read: Just asking questions about Kate Middleton

That cover instantly sprang to mind when, earlier today, the current Princess of Wales announced that she has cancer. In a video recorded on Wednesday in Windsor, the former Kate Middleton outlined her diagnosis in order to put an end to weeks of speculation, largely incubated online but amplified and echoed by mainstream media outlets, about the state of her health and marriage.

Kate has effectively been bullied into this statement, because the alternative—a wildfire of gossip and conspiracy theories—was worse. So please, let’s not immediately switch into maudlin recriminations about how this happened. It happened because people felt they had the right to know Kate’s private medical information. The culprits may include three staff members at the London hospital that treated her, who have been accused of accessing her medical records, perhaps driven by the same curiosity that has lit up my WhatsApp inbox for weeks. Everyone hates the tabloid papers, until they become them.

In her statement, Kate said that after her abdominal surgery earlier in the year, which the press was told at the time was “planned”—a word designed to minimize its seriousness—later tests revealed an unspecified cancer. She is now undergoing “preventative chemotherapy,” but has not revealed the progression of the disease, or her exact prognosis. “I am well,” she said, promising that she is getting stronger every day. “I hope you will understand that as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment.”

This news will surely make many people feel bad. The massive online guessing game about the reasons for Kate’s invisibility seems far less fun now. Stephen Colbert’s “spilling the tea” monologue , which declared open season on the princess’s marriage, should probably be quietly interred somewhere. The sad simplicity of today’s statement, filmed on a bench with Kate in casual jeans and a striped sweater, certainly gave me pause. She mentioned the difficulty of having to “process” the news, as well as explaining her condition to her three young children in terms they could understand. The reference to the importance of “having William by my side” was pointed, given how much of the speculation has gleefully dwelt on the possibility that she was leaving him or vice versa.

Read: The eternal scrutiny of Kate Middleton

However, the statement also reveals that the online commentators who suggested that the royal household was keeping something from the public weren’t entirely wrong. Kate’s condition was described as noncancerous when her break from public life was announced in late January . The updated diagnosis appears to have been delivered in February, around the time her husband, Prince William, abruptly pulled out of speaking at a memorial service for the former king of Greece. Today’s statement represents a failure of Kensington Palace to control the narrative: first, by publishing a photograph of Kate and her children that was so obviously edited that photo agencies retracted it, and second, by giving its implicit permission for the publication of a grainy video of the couple shopping in Windsor over the weekend. Neither of those decisions quenched the inferno raging online—in fact, they fed it.

Some will say that Kate has finally done what she should have done much earlier: directly address the rumors in an official video, rather than drip-feed images that raised more questions than they answered. King Charles III has taken a different approach to his own (also unspecified) cancer, allowing footage to be filmed of him working from home. But then again, Kate has cancer at 42, is having chemo, and has three young children. Do you really have it in you to grade her media strategy and find it wanting?

Ironically, Britain’s tabloid papers have shown remarkable restraint; as I wrote earlier this month , they declined to publish the first paparazzi pictures of Kate taken after her withdrawal from public life. They have weighted their decisions toward respect and dignity—more so than the Meghan stans, royal tea-spillers, and KateGate theorists, who have generated such an unstoppable wave of interest in this story that its final destination was a woman with cancer being forced to reveal her diagnosis. If you ever wanted proof that the “mainstream media” are less powerful than ever before, this video of Kate Middleton sitting on a bench is it.

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March 20, 2024 | Shawn Kornegay - Neag School of Education

Connecticut’s 2024 Letters About Literature Contest Winners Named

UConn's Neag School of Education, Department of English, and Connecticut Writing Project, co-sponsors of the 31st annual Letters About Literature contest, are proud to announce Connecticut’s winners for the 2023-24 academic year.

Doug Kaufman, left, congratulates a winner from the Letters About Literature contest in 2023; Jason Courtmanche is pictured in the background. (Shawn Kornegay/Neag School)

UConn’s Neag School of Education , Department of English , and Connecticut Writing Project (CWP) , co-sponsors of the 31st annual Letters About Literature contest, are proud to announce Connecticut’s winners for the 2023-24 academic year.

Each year, students in grades four through 12 are invited to read a text, broadly defined, and write a letter to the author (living or dead) about how the text affected them personally. Submissions are grouped according to grade level (grades four to six; grades seven and eight; and grades nine to 12).

All submissions were read and scored by Neag School alumni teacher-volunteers. Of the 878 submissions from Connecticut students this year, there were 526 students who received honorable mentions. Each Letters About Literature semi-finalist and honorable mention recipient received a letter of recognition.

A second set of judges, all pre-service teachers, then read and scored the 91 semi-finalists — twice for each submission — and selected a total of nine winners, three per grade level. Then one student per grade level was named Top Prize. Each of the nine winners will receive a gift card: the three Top Prize winners get $200 each and the six others get $100 each. The winning recipients will be recognized at a ceremony later in the spring.

Neag School associate professor Doug Kaufman , CWP director Jason Courtmanche , and Department of English Ph.D. candidate Margaret McFarlane served as the contest’s representatives for the state of Connecticut.

Letters About Literature Finalists for the State of Connecticut

The following are the contest finalists, listed with their respective school’s and teacher’s names, as well as the work of literature that is the focus of their essay, with access to their winning submissions in PDF format.

Level I (Grades 4-6)

• Top Prize Winner: Erioluwa Shokunbi , John Ferrero, Macdonough Elementary (Middletown), Gone by Michael Grant
• Winner: Ema He , Lucinda Kulvinskas, King Phillip Middle School (West Hartford), The Wild Robot Protects by Peter Brown
• Winner: Ria Shenoy , Ximena Franco-Bao, West Woods Upper Elementary School (Farmington), Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Level II (Grades 7-8)

• Top Prize Winner: Emma Allen, Kristin Liu, The Country School (Madison), Instructions Before Dancing by Nicola Yoon
• Winner: Ella Yu, Jessica Kerelejza, King Phillip Middle School (West Hartford), Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
• Winner: Ava Hill, Sara Tamborello, Segwick Middle School (West Hartford), The Wish by Nicholas Spark

Level III (Grades 9-12)

• Top Prize Winner: Brian Park, Lennoz Debra, Hotchkiss School (Salisbury), Theme for English B by Langston Hughes
• Winner: Noah Tork, Lucy Abott, Notre Dame (West Haven), Night by Ellie Wiesel
• Winner: Emerson Smith , Katherine Gabbay, Ridgefield High School (Ridgefield), The Virgin Suicides by Jefrey Eugenides

Letters About Literature Contest Judges

Alumni, students, and friends of the Neag School of Education and the University of Connecticut judged the Letters About Literature contest submissions this past fall. The judges selected semi-finalists at each of the three competition levels. Thank you to the first-round contest judges:

• Sarah Abbey
• Lea Attanasio
• Leah Baranauskas
• Sian Charles-Harris
• Celina DaSilva
• Caitlin Davidson
• Mirelinda Dema
• Kristina Dukette
• Hayley Gomez
• Migdalia Gonsalves
• Denise Grant
• Katie Grant
• Jill Kneisl
• Lindsay Larsen
• Lindsey Le-Gervais
• Laura Milligan
• Melissa Oberlander
• Katie Owens
• Alex Andy Phuong
• Jamie Pisacane
• Christy Rybczyk
• Jaclyn Sanzari
• Allison Stroili
• Robert Zupperoli

Students in the Neag School and Department of English judged the Letters About Literature semifinalist essays this past month. Thank you to the contest judges, who are current students in the Neag School of Education Integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s program with a second major or concentration in English or UConn students majoring in English:

• Grace Carpenter
• Mckenzie Dayton
• Amanda Faubel
• Emily Feest
• Chloe Goodi
• Vashonti Mac
• Brenna McNeec
• Evelyn Mcname
• Georgia Mills Rent
• Molly Morga
• Thomas Murray
• Sofia Oyola Morale
• Shannon Palme
• Lillian Sol
• Grian Wizne

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