What is Women's History Month?
According to history.com "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." (History 2024) They go on to say that it is a dedication to reflect on all the things that women have done and accomplished that went overlooked. However, this is a celebration mainly supported by just the United States of America. Globally women are appreciated on International Women's Day, which happens to be today, March 8th, 2024. International Women's Day as well as Women's History Month stand to be much more than the celebration of women who have been overlooked, it is a beautiful reminder to appreciate the women today, whether that be your mom, sisters, friends, family, celebrities, or even strangers, every woman on this earth deserve a little love, appreciation, and recognition today and the rest of March.
Celebrating women in literature and film
It's no secret that words carry meaning, these authors, characters, and stories stand to prove that by empowering women in a beautiful sometimes complex way... Here are 5 books and films that YOU should read/watch this month!
1.) Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
2.) Barbie produced by Greta Gerwig
3.) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
4.) All of you Every Single One by Beatrice Hitchman
5.) Sister Mother Warrior by Vanessa Riley
An inspirational dialogue from the movie Barbie that broke the internet and pulled so many heart strings in 2023:
"It is literally impossible to be a woman. You are so beautiful, and so smart, and it kills me that you don't think you're good enough. Like, we have to always be extraordinary, but somehow, we're always doing it wrong.
You have to be thin, but not too thin. And you can never say you want to be thin. You have to say you want to be healthy, but also you have to be thin. You have to have money, but you can't ask for money because that's crass. You have to be a boss, but you can't be mean. You have to lead, but you can't squash other people's ideas. You're supposed to love being a mother, but don't talk about your kids all the damn time. You have to be a career woman but also always be looking out for other people.
You have to answer for men's bad behavior, which is insane, but if you point that out, you're accused of complaining. You're supposed to stay pretty for men, but not so pretty that you tempt them too much or that you threaten other women because you're supposed to be a part of the sisterhood.
But always stand out and always be grateful. But never forget that the system is rigged. So, find a way to acknowledge that but also always be grateful.
You have to never get old, never be rude, never show off, never be selfish, never fall down, never fail, never show fear, never get out of line. It's too hard! It's too contradictory and nobody gives you a medal or says thank you! And it turns out in fact that not only are you doing everything wrong, but also everything is your fault.
I'm just so tired of watching myself and every single other woman tie herself into knots so that people will like us. And if all of that is also true for a doll just representing women, then I don't even know."
(Greta Gerwig, America Ferrera 2023)
A Thank You to Women:
You are beautiful, you are strong, you are resourceful, you are amazing, you are inspirational, you are perfect just the way that you are. There are not enough words in this world to describe how fantastic you are, how appreciated you are, society as a whole need you we celebrate you today and everyday this month and it will not stop there. This month and this day especially be kind to yourself remind yourself, that you are worthy you are loved, and you are needed, today and every day. We ask that if there is a woman in your life today that you say thank you that you look at them and appreciate them for all that they do, all that they go through, and know that these women are the reason we are where we are today. Thank You to all women, everywhere.