Since 1987, Women’s History Month has been observed annually during the month of March. We celebrate and honor women’s contributions to history, science, culture and society. It’s important to mention that women should be celebrated every day of the year, not just during March. Read on for some great content that pays tribute to many different types of women with disabilities, from historical women to women in the present day.
The History Behind Women’s History Month
It took many years to bring Women’s History Month to fruition. It originally began as a single day. In 1908, thousands of women in New York City marched for labor laws, working conditions and the right to vote. In 1909, socialists and suffragists gathered in Manhattan for the first International Women’s Day, and this date was formally honored on March 8, 1911, at the International Conference of Women in Copenhagen. Over time, the movement spread across the world, yet it wasn’t acknowledged in the United States until 1975. President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation, declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. Finally, in 1987, the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the week to the entire month of March.
The Life of Harriet Tubman
Think you know Harriet Tubman? Think again! Quantum® brand ambassador Zoe Hernandez shares many interesting facts about the former slave turned abolitionist, risking her life to save others through the Underground Railroad. Zoe shares that Harriet Tubman became disabled after experiencing a traumatic brain injury as a teenager. It didn’t stop her from helping other slaves escape to freedom and helping newly freed slaves find work. Click here to read more about Harriet Tubman.
Celebrating Women in Wheelchairs
There were and still are many strong women in wheelchairs who worked hard to make society inclusive for all. Quantum® brand ambassador adviser Stephanie Woodward blogs about four disabled women and their contributions to the disability community. Meet civil rights leader Barbara Jordan, who was the first southern African American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Learn about Laura Hershey, an advocate for disability rights who wrote poetry demonstrating how disabled individuals can become proud of their disability identities. Click to learn more about these amazing women in wheelchairs.
