Women’s HERstory Month
March is Women's HERstory Month
Join us as we soar into Women’s HERstory Month 2024. Our theme this year draws inspiration from the graceful hummingbird and the colorful butterflies.
These majestic creatures symbolize grace, resilience, and transformation – qualities that resonate deeply with the essence of women’s history. Just like the hummingbird flits from flower to flower, gathering nectar with determination and purpose, women have been navigating through challenges and obstacles, leaving behind a trail of strength and beauty. Similarly, the butterfly’s metamorphosis from a humble caterpillar into a magnificent being mirrors the journey of empowerment and growth that women have embarked upon throughout history.
As we celebrate Women’s HERstory Month in 2024, let us embrace the spirit of these incredible creatures, spreading our wings and soaring to new heights of achievement and empowerment. Let us honor the women who have come before us, paving the way for our success, and let us continue to strive for equality, justice, and recognition for the contributions of all women around the world. Together, we can create a future where every woman’s story is heard, valued, and celebrated. Join us on this journey as we take flight into a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
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Women’s Herstory Month was celebrated nationally when Congress passed Public Law 97-28, authorizing and requesting the president to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982, as “Women’s History Week. ” In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.”
Calendar of Events
Resources for Women’s Herstory Month
Without the work of women in history, we would not enjoy the rights that we have today. Many women have put their lives on the line to fight for social justice and gender equity. From Elizabeth Cady Stanton to Amanda Gorman, these women serve to inspire our activism. Women’s HERstory Month allows us to reflect on these influential women and ruminate on how they have impacted our world today. In addition to engaging with the Women’s Center, below are listed some of the ways that you can celebrate Women’s HERstory Month.
On-Campus Engagement
Schedule a meeting with Student Involvement to get involved with women’s organizations and groups on-campus.
Get Involved in the Triangle Area
The larger Triangle Area consists of a multitude of women’s organizations that are looking for volunteers. Here are a few examples:
- Women’s Center of Wake County
- The Women’s Club of Raleigh
- Durham Crisis Response Center
- Interact Family Safety and Empowerment Center
- Dress for Success Triangle NC
- SHE NC
Amplify Women’s Voices
It is important to support businesses owned by women to help uplift their economic success. Here are some examples located in the Triangle area.
- Uniquities
- KSH Creations
- Bowerbird Flowers & Apothecary
- Carroll’s Kitchen
- The Flourish Market
- DECO
Engage with literature
Reading literature written by women authors is a great way to make sure their voices are being heard. The list below includes history about the feminist movement in places all over the world as well as significant feminist works in history. All of these books are available in our library!
- Sisterhood is Global, Ed. Robin Morgan, with contributions from Nawal El Saadawi, Ama Ata Aidoo, and Hilka Pietlӓ
- Flowers of Fire: South Korea’s Feminist Movement and What It Means for Women’s Rights Worldwide by Hawon Jung
- Women, Race, and Class by Angela Davis.
- Betraying Big Brother: The Feminist Awakening in China by Leta Hong Fincher
- The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir
- This Bridge Called My Back, ed. by Cherrié Moraga and Gloria Anzaldúa, with contributions from: Chrystos, Audre Lorde, Cheryl Clarke and more
- Firebrand Feminism: The Radical Lies of Ti-Grace Atkinson, Kathie Sarachild, Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz, and Dana Densmore by Breanne Fahs
Listen to podcasts hosted by women
Podcasts are ways for women to express themselves and uplift the issues that matter to them. Here are a few examples of podcasts that are hosted by women:
- Girlish by Gage Adkins and Olivia Noel: Trans women of color and best friends Gage Adkins and Olivia Noel discuss the interactions between LGBTQ+ and pop culture topics by reflecting on personal anecdotes. Their podcast serves as both a safe place for trans individuals and an educational resource for allies on trans issues.
- Intersectional Feminism – Desi Style hosted by Nishtha and Sukany: Hosts Nishtha and Sukanya continue their conversations centering around intersectional feminism in season 2 of this podcast, this time incorporating movies, books, memes, and more pop-culture references in their analyses! They are excited to introduce phenomenal guests in this new season as well.
- Unladylike by Cristen Conger and Caroline Ervin: Feminists Cristen and Caroline challenge the expectations of womanhood while diving into the challenges that women typically face.
- Call Your Girlfriend by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman: Long-distance best friends Aminatou and Ann hold conversations about pop culture while highlighting issues around being a woman in the modern world.
- Therapy for Black Girls by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford: Licensed psychologist Dr. Joy Harden Bradford discusses topics related to all aspects of health with a focus on centering well-being.
- How to Be a Girl by Marlo Mack: Host Marlo Mack’s podcast serves as a space to discuss what it means to be a girl as inspired by her young transgender daughter.
Donate to a Women’s Rights Organization
Through monetary donations, you can help promote social justice for women around the world. Many organizations uplift the well-being and empowerment of women using financial support. Here are a few highlighted organizations that strive for the global empowerment of women.
- The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women
- Rise Up
- Association for Women’s Rights in Development
- Womankind Worldwide
- Center for Reproductive Rights
- Equality Now
Learn about Current Issues that Affect Women
Issues that women face in the United States and globally are often ignored or downplayed, especially in the mainstream media. One of the best ways to combat this is to educate yourself on these issues and the impacts that they have. Read the following article on Politico, which discusses obstacles that women commonly face today.
In the News
2023’s Celebration in the News
Women’s HERstory Month connects women through community events – Technician
Women’s Center honors Women’s HERstory month with pot-painting event – Technician
NC State celebrates women’s firsts with monuments, exhibits, Women’s Center – Technician
‘Ethereal: Boundless Black Femininity’ gallery shares divine femininity with all genders – Technician