The Importance of Women’s History Month

Originally Published March 2023

March is Women’s History Month. Why is this important to me? To women? To you?

Women make up 50.5% of the US population. (World Bank, 2021)

Women were pioneers in building the early foundation of modern programming. Women unveiled the structure of DNA. Women broke the sound barrier. A woman earned the first perfect score in Olympic competition. A woman was the first to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. (WomensHistoryMonth.gov, Smithsonian Institution)

And…

It took until 1920 for women to have the right to vote.

In 2022, women earn about 82 cents for every dollar earned by a man for the same work.

The field of education is predominantly female with 78% of educators being women in 2018 (BusinessInsider.com). However, according to the American Association of School Administrators, the national superintendents’ organization, women only represent 15-20% of school superintendents.

What does this data tell us? Women are making things happen AND we have work to do.

As a woman in a male dominated role, I can say that I feel welcomed, valued, and supported by male and female leaders in my field. I would not be where I am without the support of a wonderful husband, outstanding male leaders, and staff members who said, “You can do this.” And yet, I am cognizant of the need to continue to promote girls and women into fields that are predominantly male and into leadership roles in ALL fields.

And so, Women’s History Month is important. Not because women are superior. Not because men create barriers. But because it is important to our success as a state, a nation, a human race that we ensure each person has the opportunity and encouragement to contribute and succeed. 

Women’s History Month is important because history is important, and what we can learn from it is important in order to continue building an even better future.