“Hearts starve as well as bodies: Give us Bread, but give us Roses. Yes, it is Bread we fight for—but we fight for Roses, too. The rising of the women means the rising of the race. But a sharing of life’s glories: Bread and Roses, Bread and Roses.”

Women historically have been pushed aside and deemed as second-class citizens. The month of March is a time reserved for celebrating and learning about contributions made by women in the past and present.

It began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California. In 1978, the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County organized the first Women’s History Week. It gained so much recognition to the point where it reached executive ears. President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8th as National Women’s week. Then, the Women’s History Project petitioned Congress to expand into the entire month. Since 1987, March became known as Women’s History Month. 

In the 1900s, there were many marches for women’s suffrage. Then, in 1911, International Women’s Day was honored for the first time in select parts of Europe. The United Nations dedicated March 8th as the day for women’s rights and international peace.

Movements made by women opened doors for future generations. Like how the Lowell Mill Girls fought for their fair treatment and created the first working women union. The fight is far from over and must continue to ensure that all get the equal rights and opportunities they deserve.