Did you know that the official color of Women’s History Month is purple?
Women in every industry have been chipping away at the glass ceiling for decades, often in the face of significant challenges and discrimination. Did you know that the first female prime minister was Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka in 1960? She was followed by a series of other competent women who held high office, such as Indira Gandhi (India-1966) and other women who you would have never known about unless you googled Women Prime Ministers (many of whom are from Asia Pacific countries). It is therefore quite astonishing that it took decades for the U.S. to elect its first female to hold high office with the election of V.P. Kamala Harris in 2020. Though she may not have won the 2024 presidency, one thing remains true…the glass ceiling in the U.S. still needs breaking.
March is Women’s History Month and March 8th International Women’s Day. It’s a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Are you interested in learning its origin story? Read our previous blog post on how Women’s History Month evolved over time. Your mind will be blown!
What Colors Symbolize International Women’s Day and Why?
International Women’s Day Colors
Purple, green and white are the colors of International Women’s Day. Purple signifies justice and dignity. Green symbolizes hope. White represents purity. The colors originated from the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the UK in 1908.
What is the Theme for International Women’s Day 2025?
This year’s theme is “Accelerate Action” and “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” The goal is to speed up progress worldwide to achieve gender parity.
Not Such Fun Facts:
Did you know that according to the Global Gender Gap Report, at the current rate of progress, it will take 132 years to close the global gender gap?
Did you know that for every dollar earned by men, white, non-Hispanic women earn 73 cents, black women 64 cents, Latina women 51 cents, Native American women 52 cents and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander women 80 cents, with some groups earning as little as 49 cents?
Celebrating the Scientific & Social Achievements of Women in History
In this blog post, I would like to celebrate a few of the many women in history who have made contributions in the areas of women’s rights, science, social justice, technology, politics and culture. Contributions made by women in other areas, such as medicine, sports, publishing, film, theatre, photography, music and dance will follow in a subsequent post.
Marie Curie (1867-1934) founded the science of radioactivity, discovered two new elements, and was the first person to win two Nobel Prizes. Her work laid the foundation for advancements in modern physics and cancer treatments.
Ada Lovelace (1815-1852) regarded as the first computer programmer, her work on the analytical engine inspired future developments in computing, laying the foundation for the digital age we live in today.
Rosa Parks (1913-2005) a pivotal figure in the American civil rights movement. She is best known for her courageous act of defiance on December 1, 1955, when she refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus to a white passenger. This act sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, one of the most significant events in American civil rights history.
Celebrating the Political & Cultural Achievements of Women in History
Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) & Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-19020 together they revolutionized the political and social condition of women in American society, pushing for a wholesale social revolution that went beyond just voting rights. Their partnership and friendship lasted for over five decades, leaving an indelible mark on the fight for women’s equality in the United States.
Christabel Pankhurst (1880-1958) a prominent leader in the Suffragette movement, she strategically used fashion to promote the cause and challenge negative stereotypes about women’s rights activists. Her approach to dress was both deliberate and influential in shaping the public image of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU).
Coco Chanel (1883-1971) a French fashion designer and businesswoman who dominated Parisian haute couture for nearly six decades. A pioneer for women’s rights and gender equality, Chanel was one of the first female designers to create practical clothing for active women.
Mary Quant (1930-2023) her legacy is not only in her mini skirt & hot pants designs but also in her impact on cultural movements. She was a leader in the “Youthquake” of the 1960s, a term coined to describe the shift in cultural influence from the older generation to the young.
Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) and Lorena “Hick” Hickok (1893-1968) shared a deep, intimate relationship that significantly impacted both their lives and American history. Their connection began in 1932 when Hickok, a respected journalist for the Associated Press, was assigned to cover Eleanor during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidential campaign.
Eleanor was the longest-serving first lady of the United States, during her husband’s four terms as president from 1933- 1945. Hickok’s influence helped Eleanor become one of the most influential women of the 20th century, championing causes such as human rights and democracy.
For more about their 30-year relationship read the book, Eleanor and Hick: The Love Affair That Shaped a First Lady by Susan Quinn.
What’s the Latest on the Equal Rights Amendment (NRA)? Will it Ever Get Ratified?
On January 17, 2025, President Biden declared his opinion that the Equal Rights Amendment (which would explicitly prohibit sex discrimination) was the law of the land, however, sadly, his declaration had no formal effect.
As of March 2025, ERA’s status remains unresolved, with ongoing debates about the validity of the deadline, post-deadline ratifications, state rescissions and its inability to receive the required two-thirds supermajority in the Senate.Constitutional scholars and lawmakers continue to discuss potential paths forward for the 28th amendment, which is even more reason to elect a female President. Women know how to get things done!
