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Pre-pandemic, we could find lectures and talks to attend during Women's History Month. We'd gather to celebrate and network. Basking in the pride of the accomplishments of those who came before us, we would connect and commiserate.
Those feelings of empowerment would serve as the catalyst for us to continue the work. In 2021, however, we remain disconnected from one another. So, how do we honor and celebrate women this March? Here are 6 ways to honor Women's History Month in 2021 to propel toward continued growth and change.
Why celebrate Women's History Month?
Abigail Adams penned a letter to her husband, John Adams – coincidentally in March of 1776 – urging him and the rest of the Continental Congress to consider equal rights for the women in their lives. "If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation, ” she wrote.
1. Know and fully understand our history.
It would be 143 years before women were granted the right to vote. Progress is slow, despite the myriad contributions of women in society throughout history. So, why celebrate Women's History Month? It is up to us to know how far we've come and understand how far we still have yet to go in the name of equality.
- For those interested in learning more about the role of women throughout history in America, the Library of Congress offers an extensive series of essays on the topic.
- The Women's History Month website also provides a significant list of virtual exhibits and collections about women throughout history.
How to support women during Women's History Month
During Women's History Month, make an effort to support women in business. In the United States, 40% of businesses are owned by women, generating $1.8 trillion dollars per year, according to studies referenced and compiled by Fundera.
2. Buy from women-owned businesses.
The woman-owned business directory, an initiative by the Women-Business Enterprise National Council, is a great place to start. Forbes has also compiled a directory of women-owned small businesses you can support from anywhere in the country — ideal during a global pandemic.
3. Donate to charities that support women.
"One thing I do whenever I can, is donate to charities that I know are helping women. Having been in a domestic violence situation, I know how difficult it is to get help, especially when you don't have money to leave," Amanda F. told Mom.com. "I missed all the warning signs until it was too late. I want to help other women who may feel as hopeless as I felt."
- One such charity, The Allstate Foundation, provides support and assistance to women who lack access to the funds they need to be safe when experiencing domestic violence. Consider giving back by donating money to charities that help women.
- Charity Navigator provides an extensive list of reputable non-profit organizations that help women domestically and abroad.
Honor Women's History Month at home
This year, although we can't be together as we honor women and celebrate their accomplishments, we can still recognize their contributions during Women's History Month, right at home.
4. Host a multi-generational virtual book club.
Read books by and about women of the past and present. Recently, the publisher of Michelle Obama's book, Becoming, released Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers. Obama's inspirational memoir transcends generations and is a testament to the fact that we're all changing and growing, at every age and stage of our lives. For more virtual book club ideas:
- Discovery has compiled a list of 60 inspirational books for women.
- Read Brightly also compiled a list of books for young readers that celebrate women.
5. Devour some moving poetry written by strong women.
We all fell in love with Amanda Gorman at the Inauguration of Joe Biden, as she read her poem, The Hill We Climb. If Gorman's moving recitation left you clamoring for more poetry in your life, seek out other poets who are changing the game like Latina poet, Vanesa Pacheco. Pacheco recently released an erasure poetry chapbook entitled Slippery Tongues that reworks,The Hammer of Witches, a 15th-century text that proved harmful to young women of the time period accused of witchcraft.
"I choose to erase this text to fight back. To give voice to the women who have been erased. Women do not come second," Pacheco writes in the book's introduction. "Women will no longer be erased. I erase to empower."
6. Watch movies by powerful women filmmakers.
Filmmaker Ava DuVernay is the first African-American filmmaker to receive a nomination for a Golden Globe award. A family movie night screening of Selma or A Wrinkle in Time may be in order during Women's History Month. Celebrate the women in film:
- Cnet.com has several recommendations for inclusive and diverse TV shows and movies to watch this month.
- PBS.com also has a list of documentaries and stories that celebrate women in history.
This year, during Women's History Month, let's remember the wise words of the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, "Fight for the things that you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you."