Women’s History Month has been celebrated in the United States since 1987, when it was declared a national observance by Congress. It grew out of International Women’s Day, which has been celebrated since 1911, and the Women’s
Women’s History Month has been celebrated in the United States since 1987, when it was declared a national observance by Congress. It grew out of International Women’s Day, which has been celebrated since 1911, and the Women’s Rights Movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Just as feminism itself continues to evolve over time, so too has Women’s History Month. Over the years, it has grown to become an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of women throughout history, while also highlighting ongoing challenges and advocating for gender equality.
We’ve seen a lot of progress since Women’s History Month first began, whether in terms of women’s financial security or the growing prominence of female-led entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Every year, we see new movements emerge or take higher priority in the conversation. As we look back on Women’s History Month 2023, it is important to take stock of the most notable trends that emerged this year. By highlighting these developments, we can continue to promote greater awareness and progress toward gender equality and women’s empowerment.
One of the biggest shifts in conversations around gender in recent years has been the more proactive efforts to include and uplift people who have been previously left out of mainstream feminist movements. The rise of intersectional feminism recognizes the unique experiences and struggles of women based on factors such as race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, and ability. From the recent rollback of legal protections around reproductive justice to renewed gender binary rhetoric, there have been a number of challenges over the past few years that highlight the need for intersectional inclusivity and support. Freedom shouldn’t be limited to borders or the actions of any single group, so it is vital that measures are taken to amplify the voices and experiences of all women, particularly those who have been historically marginalized and excluded from mainstream feminism.
Mental Health & Wellness
Also apparent this year is the growing emphasis on women’s mental health and wellness. Due to the ongoing challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the last few years have highlighted how impactful and far reaching the issue of mental health can be, including several high profile cases of burnout. Additionally, there is greater awareness of the unique challenges that women face in terms of mental health, such as higher rates of anxiety and depression, as well as the impact of systemic oppression on women’s well-being. To address these issues, there is a growing trend to promote self-care and self-compassion among women, as well as to advocate for policies and programs that support women’s mental health and access to mental health care.
In addition, organizations should continue to consider putting mental health on a par with physical health. Implementing policies that recognize and support women’s mental health care can ha