Why is Women’s History Month Important?

Women’s History includes the study of the history of the growth of women's rights throughout recorded history, personal achievements over a period, the examination of individual and groups of women of historical significance, and the effect that historical events have had on women. Dr. Shirley Graham writes for a publication in the Elliott School of International Affairs. She states, in answering the question, why is Women’s History Month important?

“Because historically women have been written out of history. Men, and the performance of masculinities within the realm of militarism, violence, conflict, wars, and diplomacy have been the priority of most historians. We have heard a lot less about women’s roles in war, as strategists, spies, combatants, soldiers, nurses, cooks, and domestic workers, amongst others. Similarly, we do not know much about the many women who have brokered deals with local rebel groups facilitating the release of hostages, or who have played crucial roles in countering violent extremism, women who have worked across political and religious divides to mobilize support for peace, and women who have led processes to reintegrate former combatants into society as part of post-conflict reconciliation.”

Dr. Graham further states, “Women have been challenging this erasure of our multifarious roles in society for centuries.” While there remains work to be done regarding gender equality and women's rights around the world, Women's History Month provides unique opportunities to research, write about, share stories, and raise awareness around the diversity of women's lived experiences. This year as we acknowledge women’s contributions, let us do so lauding every woman who as impacted our lives, and making women’s experiences and stories widely known.

Happy Women’s History Month,

Dr. Toni