Women’s History Month
As we all know, March is Women’s History Month. This month is used to highlight and celebrate all the contributions from women to events in history and in society. Women are still facing many issues in society today. Many of them include: Reproductive Rights, Economic Injustice, Violence Against Women, Racial Injustice, LGBTQIA+ Rights, and Constitutional Equality. While the women’s rights movement started in the United States in 1848, and they have made tremendous progress since, there is still more to be done.
I decided to talk to a couple of women at Fairmont State to get their point of view on Women’s History Month. First, I talked with Molly Simpson, a Freshman double-majoring in English Education and Psychology. Next, I talked with Courtney Wagner, a Junior majoring in Communication Arts. They both received different questions, but there was one question in which they both received. While their statements regarded the same outcome, I wanted to capture both of their opinions.
How do you succeed in a male-dominated environment?
Molly Simpson: My primary method of succeeding in a male dominated environment is through hard work. You can never deny a job well done, regardless of the gender that completes the work. In every aspect of my education and my life, I dedicate my full attention to the task at hand and set clear goals.
Why is Women’s History an issue that might need a special celebration?
Courtney Wagner: The need for a celebration of women’s history started at the beginning of time. Women were seen as an object and maid, for hundreds and thousands of years. They were treated fairly bad, especially depending on the race and what time in history.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge for the generation of women behind you?
Molly Simpson: I think the biggest problem facing the next generation of women who seek to end gender inequality involves the legal process. Many pieces of legislation take years to pass, and many are unrecognizable after so many changes are made by legislators. The process of achieving equality on paper will take much longer than inspiring women to take action. We already have such a beautifully large body of women in our nation and in the world ready to fight for their rights- it is just a matter of digging through the legal jargon to make these changes happen legally.
What woman inspires you most and why?
Courtney Wagner: The woman who inspires me the most would probably have to be Judge Judy. Although she is famous and has guards, she is treated with respect. She’s seen as a very powerful woman, which men are afraid of. She has no biases when it comes to work and figuring things out. She doesn’t play games or waste time. She gives the most logical answers, whether people like it or not.
What can men do to help achieve equality?
Molly Simpson: Men can help achieve equality by first acknowledging that they are responsible for achieving it too. Achieving gender equality is not just a task for women; all genders should be involved in this pursuit of social justice. A world governed by patriarchy can be damaging to men and women alike. It will take the combining of forces between all genders to end this politically incorrect structure.
Courtney Wagner: Men could start by supporting women, in all ways. There’s too much division in what is okay or not for a man and a woman, instead of what is okay or not for a HUMAN. They could also be excluded from any voting rights on women’s issues including abortion, birth control, etc. Also teaching their sons to respect and treat women with respect. There are too many men in this world that feel that they are entitled to a woman’s body or mind, when in reality, they are not. Women should be able to go out anywhere and anytime, alone, without feeling terrified that they will be raped, kidnapped, or murdered. They need to learn self-restriction and understand women are not objects made for their pleasure.
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These two women were very gracious when I asked them to be a part of this article in celebration for Women’s History Month. All women, and even some men have an important outlook on Women’s Rights. This month we must celebrate the events in women’s history that have led us to where we are today. But we must also continue to stay educated on issues women are still facing today. For we have already come so far, but women’s history is still in the making, let us go even further. We, and the many women before us, are Women’s History.
