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March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of women throughout history. While many of us may be familiar with some of the more well-known women's history facts and figures, there are many surprising and fascinating stories that are often overlooked. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at five surprising facts about Women's History Month that you might not have known. From its origins as a week-long celebration to its global recognition, Women's History Month has become an important time to reflect on the progress that women have made and the work that still needs to be done. So, let's dive into these lesser-known facts and discover more about this important month-long celebration.

1. Originally A Week-long Celebration

The Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women's Education Task Force initially suggested the idea of a Women's History Week in 1978. The idea was to organize a week-long festival to showcase the achievements of women and their contributions to society throughout history. In Sonoma County, California, the week-long festival was originally commemorated in 1981 to coincide with International Women's Day on March 8.

As a result of the week-long celebration's popularity, Congress declared March to be Women's History Month in 1987, and the designation has been in effect ever since. President Ronald Reagan made the event a national holiday by signing this resolution into law.

Since then, March has been designated as Women's History Month to highlight the numerous contributions and accomplishments made by women throughout history. The opportunity presented by this month-long celebration is a chance to increase public knowledge of the difficulties women have encountered, the strides they have made, and the work that remains to be done in order to achieve gender equality.

2. Celebrates More Than Just Famous Women

The celebration recognizes and honors the achievements of women from all walks of life, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background. Women have played a vital role in shaping the world we live in today, and Women's History Month provides a platform to highlight their contributions and accomplishments. Some of the women who have had notable contributions include:

• Politicians like Shirley Chisholm and Geraldine Ferraro who advanced women's rights in politics
• Activists like Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul, and Gloria Steinem who fought for suffrage, reproductive rights, and gender equality
• Scientists and tech pioneers like Marie Curie and Ada Lovelace who made groundbreaking discoveries and innovations
• Writers like Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, and Virginia Woolf who challenged traditional narratives
• Artists like Frida Kahlo, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Mary Cassatt who created inspiring masterpieces
• Entrepreneurs like Oprah Winfrey, Estée Lauder, and Madam C.J. Walker who shattered glass ceilings in business.

3. It Is Celebrated Globally

Women's History Month is a global celebration that transcends national boundaries and cultural differences. Countries around the world, including Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, have adopted March as Women's History Month and join in the celebration of women's achievements and contributions to society.

• In Canada, the event celebrates women's achievements and International Women's Day on March 8th.
• Australia celebrates Women's History Month in March to coincide with International Women's Day, with a theme of "Choose to Challenge."
• The United Kingdom celebrates Women's History Month with a focus on promoting gender equality and recognizing the contributions of women from all backgrounds.
• The United Nations recognizes March 8th as International Women's Day, a global celebration of women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements.

4. It Has A Different Theme Each Year

Every year, Women's History Month is celebrated with a unique theme that honors the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. In 2023, the theme for Women's History Month is "DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality." This theme aims to recognize the impact of technology and innovation on women's lives and highlight the need for gender equality in the tech industry. The theme emphasizes the role of technology in creating new opportunities for women and empowering them to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.

The theme for 2023 is particularly relevant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has highlighted the importance of technology in facilitating remote work, online education, and virtual communication. The pandemic has also exposed the existing digital divide and the inequalities faced by women in accessing technology and digital skills.

By celebrating the theme of DigitALL, Women's History Month in 2023 seeks to inspire women to embrace new technologies and innovative solutions to overcome the gender gap in the tech industry. The theme encourages women to develop their digital skills and pursue careers in the tech sector, where women are often underrepresented.

5. Recognizes The Intersectionality Of Women's Experiences

Throughout history, women have faced various forms of discrimination and marginalization based on their gender and other intersecting identities. This celebration provides an opportunity to acknowledge these systemic inequalities and the need for greater representation, equity, and inclusion for all women.

The celebration of Women's History Month helps to amplify the voices and stories of women from diverse backgrounds, including women of color, LGBTQ+ women, women with disabilities, and women from other marginalized communities. The month-long celebration provides a platform for women to share their experiences and contribute to the ongoing struggle for gender equality.

Moreover, Women's History Month serves as a reminder that the fight for gender equality is far from over, and there is still a long way to go in achieving full representation and inclusion for all women. It encourages individuals and communities to continue advocating for gender equality, challenging discrimination and bias, and supporting policies and initiatives that promote women's rights.

Conclusion

Women's History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. It provides an opportunity to recognize the diversity of women's experiences and honor the challenges that women have faced and overcome. The five surprising facts about Women's History Month highlighted the evolution and global significance of the celebration. Lauderhill Mall appreciates and supports all women and recognizes the importance of promoting gender equality and empowering women to achieve their full potential. As we celebrate Women's History Month this year, let us continue to celebrate, acknowledge and uplift the contributions of women from all walks of life.