The month of March has been proclaimed ‘Women’s history month’. Since 1987, March has been dedicated to the work of women to better all fields of life- a whole spectrum of attributes to society, from scientific discoveries to works of humanitarianism. Unfortunately, as still is the case today, the simple fact of themselves being a woman means that their work is, or has, been undermined and undervalued. 

 

Arguably, not nearly enough people know of the women who, though stigmatised by their gender, have laboured to make a change. Harmful gender inequality and discrimination challenged, and still challenges, many women when following their passions. Gender discrimination in employment still happens, abuse of women once in employment still happens, women still don’t get paid as much as men.

 

Throughout history, we can see examples of exceptional women being suppressed by societal misogyny. Take Rosalind Franklin, for example- an academic; founder of the DNA double helix structure- who didn’t get credited nearly enough for her contributes. Some of the biggest influences in the literary world: Jane Austen, Louisa May Alcott, The Brontë Sisters- to name a few, all published written work under either male pseudonyms or their intials. If this isn’t proof enough that women are and always have been disproportionate to men, then what is? These ideas are the reason that Women’s History Month is so important. Although progression has undeniably been made (a lot of it, in fact), there is still a long way to go. Remembering them is a good place to start. 

 

It’s so important that we research the women before us, celebrate them, take inspiration from them and better ourselves as a result of them.