Women’s History Month is the perfect opportunity to be inspired by women of color, from the past and present, who have made and are making incredible contributions to society.
The recognition of Women’s History Month in the United States can trace its origins to the first International Women’s Day in March 1911. Though only recognized that year by Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, International Women’s Day eventually became a global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women. It also became the precursor to Women’s History Week and eventually Women’s History Month.
In truth, the winds of recognition were already in the air of the United States three years prior, when 15,000 women marched through the streets of New York City demanding voting rights, shorter hours and better pay. Women were tired of silence and inequality. They wanted to vote, to contribute and to be appropriately recompensed and recognized for their contributions. In 1908, they marched for those rights. International Women’s Day is now a globally recognized celebration of women and their contributions. It occurs every year on March 8.
In 1978, a small-town school district in Sonoma, California decided to set up a week of special observances around International Women’s Day, including presentations, an essay contest and a parade. The idea eventually spread to other schools, communities and organizations. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8, National Women’s History Week. The U.S. Congress followed suit the next year, passing a resolution establishing a national celebration. Six years later, the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the event to the entire month of March and Women’s History Month was born. The United States has observed it every year throughout the month of March since 1987.
While one month every year is dedicated to recognizing the contributions of women across the globe in every area of society, women still experience inequality across the globe in every area of society. In the business world, women must work harder than men to be equal to them. In the US, women working full-time only earn 79 cents for every dollar a man receives working full-time. Though 30 percent of businesses are owned by women, they only attract 5% of the country’s equity capital. Even though women on average are awarded 60% of all Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, female graduates can expect to earn 20% less than male graduates.
For women of color, the wage gap is greater. Black women earn only 64 cents for every dollar white men earn, and Hispanic and Latina women only earn 56 cents for every dollar white men earn. Women of color make up almost half of the low-wage workforce. Though they make up a third of working women, they are still grossly under-represented in corporate and government leadership positions.
In the face of these statistics, it’s easy to get discouraged as a woman in the workforce, particularly as a woman of color. Yet, black females are the fastest growing group of U.S. entrepreneurs. Businesses owned by African American women increased 322% since 1997. Women’s History Month is the perfect opportunity to be inspired by women of color--from the past and present--who have made and are making incredible contributions to society. From Madame CJ Walker, America’s first self-made female millionaire and a true social entrepreneur, to Ava DuVernay, the first black woman nominated for a Golden Globe for best director for her movie Selma, they are icons of strength, perseverance, and true entrepreneurial spirit. We salute them and encourage you to click on the links below to learn more of their stories.