Women’s History Month is celebrated every year during March to honor and recognize the contribution of women in history and contemporary society. It highlights the important role of women in shaping the world and acknowledges their struggles, challenges, and accomplishments. This month-long celebration began in the United States in 1981 when Congress passed a resolution recognizing Women’s History Week. Later in 1987, it was expanded to Women’s History Month by then-President, Ronald Reagan.

The main purpose of Women’s History Month is to raise awareness about the contributions of women throughout history and to promote gender equality. The theme for 2021 Women’s History Month is “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced.” This theme commemorates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote, and recognizes the continued fight for voting rights for all.

While women have made significant progress towards achieving equal rights, there is still a long way to go. One major example is the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which was first proposed in 1923 but has yet to become law. The goal of the amendment is to establish gender equality in the United States Constitution. The ERA would prevent sex-based discrimination in areas such as employment, education, and healthcare.

However, despite ongoing efforts, the ERA is still not law. The amendment requires ratification by three-fourths of the states, and it fell short by just one state in the 1980s. However, in 2020, Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the ERA. This has revitalized the fight for the ERA’s adoption, and advocates hope that it will finally become law.

The ERA’s history shows how the struggle for gender equality has been ongoing for decades. Women have fought tirelessly for equal rights, and their hard work and commitment have brought significant progress. Nevertheless, the fight for gender equality continues. Women still face discrimination, harassment, and unequal pay in many sectors, including the workplace. Celebrating Women’s History Month reminds us of the contributions of courageous women throughout history and motivates us to continue the fight for gender equality.

In conclusion, Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of women and honor the sacrifices that have been made for gender equality. The fight for gender equality is an ongoing one, and the adoption of the ERA is just one of the many steps we must take to achieve full equality for women. By recognizing the accomplishments of women throughout history and continuing to advocate for gender equality, we can move closer to a world where women have the same rights as men.