As we come to the end of Women's History Month, Recrowned Ireland want to take you down memory lane on all the achievements and accomplishements of women throughout history. So sit back, relax and read on.
Background
Women's History Month is celebrated every year in March to recognize and honor the contributions of women throughout history. From science and technology to arts and society, women have played a vital role in shaping the world we live in today. It's important to acknowledge and celebrate their accomplishments, as often their achievements have been overlooked or forgotten.
Women in Science, Technology, Arts and Society
In science, women have made significant contributions that have changed the way we live our lives. One of the most famous examples is Marie Curie, who discovered radium and polonium and was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. Ada Lovelace, known as the world's first computer programmer, made important contributions to the field of computer science. Rosalind Franklin's work on X-ray crystallography was instrumental in the discovery of the structure of DNA.
In technology, women have also made their mark. Grace Hopper was a pioneer in computer programming and is credited with developing the first compiler, which translates code into machine-readable language. Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson were the African American women who worked at NASA and played a critical role in the success of the space program. More about their work, lives and issues they faced as black women in STEM can be seen in the show 'Hidden Figures'.
Take a sneak peak at the Hidden Figures trailer below that follows the story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson.
In the arts, women have made significant contributions as well. Maya Angelou, one of the most well-known poets of the 20th century, used her words to inspire and uplift others. Frida Kahlo, a Mexican painter, is known for her vibrant self-portraits and is regarded as a feminist icon. Toni Morrison, a novelist and essayist, wrote powerful works that explored the experiences of black women in America.
In society, women have been at the forefront of social and political movements.
Rosa Parks was an influential figure in the civil rights movement in the United States. In 1955, she refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus to a white person, which led to her arrest and sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott. This boycott lasted for over a year and was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, ultimately leading to the end of segregation on Montgomery's public buses. Rosa Parks' courage and defiance in the face of systemic racism inspired a generation of civil rights activists and continue to be celebrated and honored today.
Another significant woman who has helped shape today’s society was Marsha P. Johnson. She was a Black transgender woman who was a prominent activist and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in the 1960s and 1970s. She was a key figure in the Stonewall uprising in 1969, which is widely considered to be the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Today, Johnson's legacy lives on through the work of LGBTQ+ activists and organizations around the world. She is remembered as a trailblazer and hero in the fight for equality and justice, and serves as an inspiration to countless people who continue to fight for a more just and inclusive world.
It is crucial to recognize the contributions of women throughout history because their accomplishments have often been overlooked or ignored. This lack of recognition has led to a gender gap in various fields, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By highlighting the achievements of women, we can inspire future generations of women to pursue their passions and break down barriers.
Today's Women
There are many ongoing achievements of women alive today that are shaping the world and breaking barriers in various fields.
Gitanjali Rao: In 2020, Gitanjali Rao, a 15-year-old scientist and inventor, was named Time Magazine's first-ever "Kid of the Year" for her work in developing new technologies to solve global issues, including detecting lead in drinking water.
Greta Thunberg: At just 18 years old, Greta Thunberg has become a prominent environmental activist, advocating for urgent action to address climate change. Her advocacy has inspired a global movement of young people who are demanding action from world leaders.
Malala Yousafzai: Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for girls' education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. She survived an assassination attempt by the Taliban in 2012 and has since become a prominent advocate for education and women's rights.
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett: Dr. Corbett, a viral immunologist, led the research team that developed the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. She is also an advocate for increasing diversity in science and STEM fields.
Serena and Venus Williams are not only two of the greatest tennis players of all time, but also influential figures in sports, business, and philanthropy. They have used their success and influence to make a positive impact in the world, and continue to be an inspiration to women everywhere.
Trans women have made significant contributions to society in a wide range of fields. However, trans women face significant discrimination and marginalization, and are often subject to violence and harassment.
Despite these challenges, trans women have made important contributions to the arts, sciences, politics, and many other fields. For example, transgender filmmaker Lana Wachowski co-directed the Matrix trilogy, which is considered one of the most influential film franchises of all time. Jazz Jennings is a transgender activist and author who has become a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. And Dr. Rachel Levine, a transgender woman, was recently confirmed as the first openly transgender federal official in the United States.
It is important to recognize and honor the contributions of trans women, and to work to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all women, regardless of their gender identity. This includes advocating for policies and laws that protect the rights and well-being of trans women, and working to dismantle the systems of oppression that have historically marginalized transgender people. By doing so, we can help ensure that all women are able to live their lives to the fullest and make meaningful contributions to society.
Honoring the women in your current life is another important way to show appreciation for the contributions they make to your life and the world around you. This can include recognizing the work they do, acknowledging their accomplishments, and supporting them in their goals and aspirations.
One of the most important ways to honor the women in your life is to be an ally and advocate for them. This means standing up against sexism, misogyny, and gender-based discrimination, and promoting gender equality in all areas of life.
By actively listening, supporting their goals, celebrating their achievements, and being an ally, we can help create a more equitable and inclusive world for all women.