Women's History Month 2023: Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories

The month of March has been designated as Women’s History Month in the United States since 1987. It is a time to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of women to history, culture, and society. From Susan B. Anthony to Rosa Parks, women have made significant contributions to the progress of the United States, and this month provides an opportunity to reflect on these often-overlooked contributions.

History of Women's History Month

The celebration of Women’s History Month began as a weeklong event organized by the school district of Sonoma, California, in 1978. The event aimed to celebrate women’s contributions to culture, history, and society. The celebration spread to other communities and organizations, and in 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. The U.S. Congress followed suit in 1981, passing a resolution to establish a national celebration. Six years later, the event was expanded to the entire month of March.

International Women's Day

International Women's Day is a global celebration of the economic, political, and social achievements of women. It is celebrated on March 8 and has been observed since 1911. The United Nations has sponsored International Women's Day since 1975, recognizing the importance of women's active participation, equality, and development in securing peace, social progress, and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Women's History Month Theme 2023

The National Women's History Alliance designates a theme for Women's History Month each year. The theme for Women's History Month 2023 is "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories." This theme recognizes women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling, including print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, news, and social media.

Women Who Tell Our Stories

Women have been telling stories throughout history, from oral traditions to written works. Women’s voices have often been marginalized or ignored, but they have persisted in telling their stories and creating works that inspire and inform. This year's theme celebrates women who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling, highlighting the importance of women's voices and perspectives.

One woman who has been influential in storytelling is Toni Morrison. Morrison was an American novelist, essayist, editor, teacher, and professor emeritus at Princeton University. She was the first black woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993. Morrison's works explore themes of black identity, the black experience in America, and the role of women in society.

Another woman who has made significant contributions to storytelling is Maya Angelou. Angelou was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She is best known for her book "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," which explores her early years growing up in the segregated South. Angelou's work has been influential in promoting understanding and empathy across racial and cultural divides.

Women continue to make important contributions to storytelling and media. Oprah Winfrey is a media mogul who has used her platform to promote understanding and empathy through her talk show, books, and media empire. Journalist and author Isabel Wilkerson has used her work to shed light on the experiences of black Americans, particularly in her book "The Warmth of Other Suns."

Final

Women's History Month 2023 provides an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of women to history, culture, and society. The theme for this year, "Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories," highlights the importance of women's voices and perspectives in all forms of media and storytelling. Women have been telling stories throughout history, and their contributions continue to inspire and inform us today.