This annual declared month was chosen to honor and inspire the study, observance and celebration of women’s essential role in American history. The women’s march that took place in Washington D.C. on January 21^st of last year showed that the fight for equality and reform is not over. While the largest single-day protest in history was aimed at Donald Trump and his statements that were regarded as anti-woman, the outcry had much more to do about the progress that still needs to be made. However, the statements that were made served as a reminder that words still hold a great deal of power and can evoke sentiments that were prevalent in the 1920’s.

Just a century ago, women cried out when no one wanted to listen. Women were not able to make their own decisions. Women were not able to vote or work. Women’s bodies were controlled by the laws made by male politicians. If a woman was mistreated, they were not allowed to defend themselves or their families.

These women saw a future in their efforts to change the status quo when there was no resolution in sight. There were women who fought for their right to vote, right to work, right to receive prenatal care, rights for fair working conditions, for their ability to share political office with men, to legalize birth control, reproductive healthcare rights and equal education.

These rights belong to our mothers and grandmothers because our great-grandmothers fought for change.

The Universities at Shady Grove will be screening a documentary called Miss Representation that expresses how the media skews the ideals and values of women. The screening will take place on Wednesday, March 14 from 4:00pm-6:00pm in the Crockett theater