I was sitting in class talking to a friend when she said, “I didn’t even know Women’s History Month was a thing.” At first, I was in shock, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I didn’t even know it either. 

I knew there was a Women’s History Day to celebrate women around the world, but I never knew the entire month of March was dedicated to recognizing the accomplishments and milestones made by women. 

After that moment, I decided to do some research into Women’s History Month and the significance it holds for women everywhere. 

For centuries, women did not have the same rights as men. Whether it came to voting, job opportunities, or wages, women were always looked over and men had more power. 

To me, Women’s History Month means empowerment. Every day, I am inspired by different women and what they have been able to accomplish in their lifetimes. From my mother to the women I see on the news, I am blown away with the power and strength that they show on a daily basis. It means embracing the fact that we haven’t had equal rights in the past, and continuing to fight for them. We appreciate the journey that has led us to the progress already made and the path that we are going to continue down.

This month allows us to celebrate the fact that women empower women and realize the strength and dedication that has come from those who have persevered before us to accomplish what we once thought was impossible. Our voices matter and deserve to be heard. Over the years, women have advocated for more opportunities and the ability to voice our ideas and contribute to society in a positive way.

A few women I look up to are Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. Women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe, and former First Lady Michelle Obama. 

Just a few months ago, Vice President Kamala Harris became the first female Vice President in history. Before this presidency, there had never been a woman in that high of a role with so much authority in the United States government. Rapinoe has been a strong voice for equal pay between men and women, constantly working for equality. Along with the rest of the team, Rapinoe filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation for pay descrimination. Michelle Obama fought for young girls to have the ability to attend school through the program “Let Girls Learn.” 

I know that as a woman, I will experience different setbacks that many men will not face in their lifetimes, but I also know that thanks to so many women across the world, I have far more opportunities than I might not have had otherwise. 

As an older sibling, I have tried to be a role model for my sister by showing her what it means to be strong and independent in this world. I want her to know that she can change the way that women are treated, whether it’s in her community or around the globe. 

In decades of fighting for equal rights between men and women, generations have discovered ways to change society’s perception of women. It is important to remember that gender should not play a role in how much you can accomplish in a lifetime, and fighting for your own rights makes you strong. 

Women’s History Month consists of 31 days that celebrate women’s accomplishments, but it is more than just a month. It is a time to learn and reflect on our past while continuing the fight for equality. It gives us a chance to acknowledge and recognize the importance of women and the impact they have had on the world.