Month provides time to recognize women's goals, accomplishments

The month of March is the mother of Spring. It is also the focus of the legacies, the history and the wealth of accomplishments of American women -- March is Women's History Month.

"Whereas American women of every race, class and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways . . . Now therefore, be it resolved, that March is designated as 'Women's History Month,' " states the U.S. congressional resolution for Women's History Month.

Linda LaSalle, assistant director of the Center for Women Students, reaffirmed that resolution. "It's a good opportunity to recognize those historical female figures who have made contributions to American society," she said. "It's part of our educational experience that's missing."

- Jen McCartney (senior-accounting)

In an effort to remedy this situation, the Education Task Force of Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women initiated a Women's History Week in 1978.

The initiation of the week spawned greater interest in women's history. Eventually, organizations and community groups across the country began lobbying for the week to span the entire month of March.

In 1987, Women's History Month was born.

"I think that it raises awareness. It is also a tool for education," said Sheila Schlaupitz (senior-administration of justice and English). "It's particularly important in an educational institution. We have a high degree of social interaction. All of that facilitates dialogue."

Jen McCartney (senior-accounting) said the month helps her to realize bonds with women in the past.

"I think it's very significant especially to recognize women nowadays," she said. "I think it's important to reflect on those women who started everything for us."

Aside from recognizing women, the month is also instrumental in providing women with inspiration and incentives to continue making valuable contributions to society, said Joe Zaczyk (sophomore-business administration).

Moreover, the significance of Women's History Month has been compared to that of Black History Month, said Michael Johnson, associate professor of sociology, women's studies and African-American studies. The two months mirror one another as underrepresented portions of mainstream history, he said.

"It's significance is similar to that of Black History Month -- to identify the history that's missing in mainstream presentations of history, to remind people about the history they have forgotten or never learned," he said.

Some University women said the month is significant, and expressed a need for increased awareness.

Schlaupitz was reluctant to label Women's History Month as a panacea for the woes of women, but said it was a start.

Courtney Dietz (freshman-engineering) explained that the month is definitely positive, but that in itself is not enough. She further addressed the month's lack of recognition in the American media.

"I think it's a start," said Melanie Freeman (freshman-premedicine). "I don't think it's doing as much good as it's meant to," she said.