March is celebrated as Women’s History Month in the United States of America, it is a month that celebrates the contributions of women to society and events in history. In 2018, we saw a lot of progress being made with me #MeToo Movement and the increase in awareness about intersectional feminism. As we continue to make progress and see change come about, here are five ways that you can celebrate Women’s History Month:
1. Post a strong woman on your Instagram story every day to educate people
Social media is a great way to get the message out to people and educate them about feminists like Bell Hooks, Gloria Steinem, Virginia Woolf or Janet Mock. If some of these names seem foreign to you, I urge you to look them up because these women have paved the way for other women in their respective fields. They have brought attention to issues such as women’s sexuality, employment, inclusion and so on. They deserve to be celebrated especially during this month. Take time out of your day to post about a strong woman that inspires you and their contributions to society. If Instagram is not your forte, you could always tweet about it or share articles to your Facebook wall.
Via Harper’s Bazzar
2. Keep up to date on the news or legislation being passed
Did you know that laws and legislation are being made about your body by men who do not completely understand it? Recently, the Trump administration tried to block funds for Planned Parenthood. Take time to read about what is happening in the news, call your senators if you don’t like what is happening and go out and vote. In 2019, we saw more than 100 women get sworn into the House. Celebrate these accomplishments and #StayWoke.
Related: Women’s History Month
3. Attend events put on by the Women and Gender Studies Department at your school
The Women and Gender Studies Department at George Mason is awesome in general and during Women’s History Month, they put on brilliant events that are open to everyone. Take time to go learn about the new wave of feminism, attend a drag show or go to the Vagina Monologues. It is the best (and free) way to educate yourself and participate in celebrating and empowering women. These events also conveniently happen on campus. Take advantage of these while you’re still in college.
Via Mason Becoming
4. Read a book like the How We Got Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective which explores intersectional feminism
Feminism that is not intersectional and inclusive is not feminism at all. People’s different intersecting identities play a role in how they are marginalized and we have to be more aware of this. Reading feminists texts that are intersectional in nature help us understand the experiences of women that we might not understand. As a woman of color myself, I am aware that the only way I will be able to understand how women of other ethnicities are marginalized would be to ask questions or educate myself by reading books where they voice their concerns and solutions. Read at least 2-3 feminists books this month to become more aware of different viewpoints. Another book suggestion is Surpassing Certainty by Janet Mock.
5. Empower the women around you and have more conversations about feminism
Be sure to tell the women in your life why you look up to them. Celebrate them and tell them that you appreciate them. Also, take time to have conversations with people about feminism and what it really means today. Many people have a misconception that feminism indicates that women want more power than men but this is not true. Talk about what you have read on the news or a book you’ve just read that opened your eyes about a new issue. Join student organizations like Her Campus or Patriots for Choice that celebrate women empowerment.
There are so many ways to celebrate Women’s History Month in your own unique way. I think the general goal here is to take responsibility to educate yourself about the happenings and think about where we go from here.