A Diverse Celebration of Women

It’s March in Ohio and that could only mean one thing. It’s Women’s History Month!

 

Since 1987, after an outcry of support from the public, Congress passed a law that designated the month of March as Women’s History Month. Throughout the years, thousands of events have grown from this celebration of the historical and cultural achievements of women. Ohio has many events planned to celebrate some of its most famous female pioneers.

When I reflect upon the many talented women who have made amazing strides for progress, I am reminded that many of these women are natives of the Buckeye State. Women like Gloria Steinem, a women’s liberation pioneer; Halle Berry, the first African-American to win Best Actress at the Academy Awards; Grammy Award-winning singer Nancy Wilson; Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize winner Toni Morrison; and architect Maya Lin, known for designing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Throughout Ohio there are places that celebrate the many accomplishments of women. In Cleveland, the International Women's Air & Space Museum is a great place to learn about Amelia Earhart, Sally Ride, Bessie Coleman and other great female aviators and astronauts.  The museum has a wide collection of vintage photography from the most inspiring era of aviation history.

 

 The Goodrich House in Cleveland was founded by Flora Stone Mather and is one of the first settlement houses in the area. Although it was affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, the house had come to be recognized as an institution that united many immigrant communities. Now renamed Goodrich-Gannett Neighborhood Center, this staple offers after-school programs, cooking and photography for young adults.

The Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Cincinnati was once the residence of the famed author of
Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The historical site includes a look at the abolitionist, rights and Underground Railroad movements in which Harriet Beecher Stowe participated in the 1830s to 1860s.

Annually the world celebrates International Women’s Day, which is a global recognition of the increasing success and achievements of women everywhere. When I was an undergrad at Ohio University, my roommate and I started a belly dancing club to celebrate the beauty of dance and help build self confidence in the women of Athens. We participated in the campus celebration of International Women’s Day for several years. It was an empowering experience to debunk myths about Middle Eastern belly dance and to let my peers know they can feel beautiful in their own skin.

Even though Women’s History Month is just 31 days, it will take you longer than that to experience all of Ohio’s historical attractions. With such a rich history and talented natives, there’s no wonder so many women call Ohio their home.

What are your Women’s History Month plans?