As we celebrate National Women’s History Month in March, I want to honor the successes and sacrifices of our U.S. women. The origin of this celebration dates to March 8, 1857, when hundreds of women from New York City garment and textile factories rallied to protest harsh working conditions. 52 years later, in 1909, New York City became the site of the nation’s first Women’s Day celebration, a year after 15,000 women marched to demand shorter working hours, better pay, an end to child labor, and the right to vote. More than seven decades later in 1981, Congress set aside the second week of March as National Women’s History Week. Six years later, Congress expanded the week to a month. Celebrating Women’s History Month, we reflect on women’s advances, including increased earnings, educational attainment, and job opportunities.

While we continue with our busy lives, I want to take a moment to reflect on the contributions of other women who have gone before us so we can have the opportunities we now have. This includes the suffragettes, who fought tirelessly until finally, in 1920, women in the USA were granted the right to vote. This is especially meaningful this year in the USA, with our upcoming presidential elections this November.

Some data that might be of interest when we talk about the impact and significance of women in our country:

  • there were 168 million and about 165 million males in the United States as of July 1, 2022.1
  • 3 million females aged 16 and older participated in the civilian labor force, comprising 58.6% of the population.

Here at the GED Testing Service, we know that 50% of our learners are women; their average age is 23, and they are parents. In celebrating women this March, I want to specifically honor women in education, where 74.3% of all teachers are women, and, 67% of adult educators are women.

This month let’s rally to do our part in celebrating women, by supporting women’s causes, women-owned businesses, authors, and educators. Let’s honor and celebrate each other and stay informed of issues still facing women of all ages, including our learners.

“Women’s history is a woman’s right – an essential, indispensable heritage from which we can draw pride, comfort, courage, and long-range vision.” – Dr. Gerda Lerner, a pioneer in the field of women’s history.

 

1 based on US Census data. For more information visit census.gov.