March introduced Women’s History Month, the celebration and recognition of women’s political, social, and cultural achievements in America’s past. In 1987, Congress finally declared March as the official month to acknowledge women’s history after decades of fighting from women to allow their stories to be heard on a scholarly, professional level.

While women have made extreme advances in being recognized for the important history they make, the majority of educational resources still leave women out of the equation. Disparities in the recording and educating of women’s historical progress and achievements as well as highlighting only a select handful of women is detrimental to future generations of women and people in general.

Senior and BRAVE president Sophie Shack has been working with the club and the library to display books about women’s history as well as collaborating with IAR to celebrate 100 years of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which will take place in May.

“In BRAVE, we always simply continue our work, whether it’s gathering funds for charity, debating issues, or watching empowering videos,” Shack said.

Though women have made large leaps to getting their voices heard since they were granted the right to vote, setbacks that range from toxic representation in media to large pay gaps and racial inequalities thrown into the mix continue to stifle women-led success.

“Looking back on history – the rights women have fought for, the barriers women have broken, the struggles women have faced – allows us to recognize the power we have to continue creating change,” Shack said.

Sunday, March 8, was also International Women’s Day, which was made before the entire month was dedicated to women’s appreciation and acknowledgment. Social media platforms were filled to the brim with inspirational quotes about, for and from women around the globe.

Forty-fourth First Lady, Michelle Obama, known for her heavy involvement in women empowerment movements and organization tweeted, “This #InternationWomensDay, let’s work together to empower the next generation of women. That’s the idea behind the @GirlsAlliance[.]”

The Twitter account she endorsed is an Obama Foundation, Girls Opportunity Alliance. Not only does the organization have a YouTube special that came out on March 17, but its mission statement describes inspiring and empowering young women through education.

The transition between February, Black History Month, into March could hold the potential to emphasize black women’s history, though it may not feel as if those steps have been taken.

“I think women’s history is important to learn about but of course, being a black woman, I think having people learn about all women, especially black women, and each of our histories is very important,” senior Enisa Hoskie said.