March: Women’s History Month
These four female pilots leaving their ship, Pistol Packin’ Mama, at the four engine school at Lockbourne AAF, Ohio, are members of a group of Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPS) who have been trained to ferry the B-17 Flying Fortresses. L-R are: Frances Green, Margaret (Peg) Kirchner, Ann Waldner and Blanche Osborn. (U.S. Air Force photo)
BY MOLLIE S. WATERS
The Greenville Standard
While March 8 was observed as International Women’s Day, the entire month of March has been deemed Women’s History Month.
According to the National Women’s History Project website, this observance is not new; in fact, it has been celebrated for over 30 years.
“In 1987 the US Congress designated March as National Women’s History Month,” the website states. “This creates a special opportunity in our schools, our workplaces, and our communities to recognize and celebrate the often-overlooked achievements of American women.
“Each year there is a special theme and women whose lives exemplify that theme are selected as National Honorees.”
This year’s theme for Women’s History Month is “Nevertheless She Persisted: Honoring Women Who Fight All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.”
“The 2018 National Women’s History theme presents the opportunity to honor women who have shaped America’s history and its future through their tireless commitment to ending discrimination against women and girls,” states the website. “The theme embodies women working together with strength, tenacity and courage to overcome obstacles and achieve joyful accomplishments.”
2018 honorees are Susan Burton, Margaret Dunkle, Geraldine Ferraro, Jill Moss Greenberg, Roma Guy, Cristina Jimenez, Saru Jayaraman, Marty Langelan, Pat Maginnis, Arlene B. Mayerson, Pauli Murray, Elizabeth Peratrovich, Loretta J. Ross, Angelica Salas, and Linda Spoonster Schwartz.
While most of the aforementioned names will be unknown to readers, each of the women listed contributed to the betterment of their communities, countries, or the world in a significant way that improved the lives of women and girls.
To find out more about each woman, visit http://www.nwhp.org/2018-theme-honorees/.
