Thankfully, I'm feeling good for Women's History Month. Throughout the month of March, there are different programs that celebrate the contributions women have made throughout history. I believe that Women's History Month grew out of International Women's Day, which falls on March 8th around the world. The United Nations has promoted International Women's Day since 1975, but we can trace the origins back to the United States as early as 1909. On February 28th of that year, National Women's Day was observed in the United States due to the labor movements that wanted to recognize women in the work force. If you're interested in the history of International Women's Day, check out this UN site:
http://www.un.org/womenwatch/feature/iwd/history.html You can also celebrate Women's History Month by going to noceilings.org, where you'll find a lot of eye opening information concerning women's status throughout the world. For example, the United States is 1 out of 9 countries worldwide that doesn't provide for paid maternity leave. Or, while boys and girls test similarly in math and science, fewer girls pursue careers in these fields. We still have a ways to go, but hopefully, Patricia Arquette was correct when she said in her Academy Awards speech that "it's our time to have wage equality once and for all..." Frida, who supported worker's rights and equality for all, would be amazed to see that she is considered a trailblazer for young girls and women throughout the world. Above you can see a young girl dressed as Frida with the statement "Because of them, we can." This is the name of a website that aims to educate and connect a new generation to heroes who paved the way through images, such as the one of a young Frida. These images are designed to "refute stereotypes and build esteem for our children." It's a great website and I encourage you to look at it: www.becauseofthemwecan.com. I found an inspiring Langston Hughes quote on the website: "Hold fast to your dreams, for without them life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly." Frida understood this because even though she saw herself as broken after the accident, she found a way to fly. As my friend Robin Delaney put it: "Frida was determined to live on her own terms. I will always admire her strength and spirit." I think Robin speaks for millions of people around the world because it's not easy to live on your own terms. How many women can you think of who live life on their own terms? Please feel free to respond to this question here in the comments section. They can be famous women or women in your life. Let's celebrate these women! © Celia S. Stahr 2015
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Celia Stahr teaches art history at the University of San Francisco. She’s interested in women artists and artists who cross cultural boundaries. She fell in love with the power of Frida Kahlo's art in the 1980s, a feeling that has intensified over the years. Frida in America took 10 years to research and write, but Stahr never lost interest in this fascinating woman and artist.
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October 2022
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