Women’s History Month: A Time of Appreciation by Austin Pearce
March is a time of the year when transitions begin to set place! A few examples include the seasonal shifts from cold to warmer weather or that semesters are halfway over with students preparing for Finals/Graduation. It is only fitting that this also occurs during a time when the month is dedicated to women in History who have created or inspired social transitions. I first want to take this opportunity to honor the women who are responsible for maintaining both the WELL and CCERC, as it is a true gift to be involved with these individuals on a weekly basis. I also want to provide some moments in History that would not have been the same without a female-identifying figure taking the initiative to create change.
#1: Sacagawea
After Sacagawea was kidnapped from her tribe and married a fur trader by the name of Touissaint Charbonneau, Sacagawea was a part of the expedition with Lewis and Clark while also being pregnant for about 6 months. She was a great interpreter and a guide for the group and is responsible for saving the group from starvation and impending doom.
#2: Nellie Tayloe Ross
Nellie Tayloe Ross was the United States’ first female-elected Governor in the territory of Wyoming in 1869. The Wyoming Territorial Legislature was the first to give every woman the right to vote there! This was a huge transition to place a female-identifying figure in a position of power that was previously held by a white, male-identifying figure with money or generational regality.
#3: Marie Curie
Marie Curie was a scientist whose contributions included discovering two new elements at the time, as well as findings regarding atoms and the development of atomic bombs. She is also the only female-identifying figure (and only person) to win two Nobel Prizes in 1903 and 1911 for physics and chemistry.
It is important to note that throughout history, transitions have been made by female-identifying figures who decided a change was necessary. The women of today will create the change to affect the world of tomorrow, and I believe that we are to experience great change.
Below are some articles to check out regarding Women’s History Month!
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