Since 1995, March has been known as Women’s History Month. This celebrates women’s contributions to the U.S. and recognizes the specific achievements women have made throughout American history in various fields, because women historically were not allowed to vote, have certain jobs, and attend schools.
In 1920, women were able to vote due to the 19th Amendment. World War I and II allotted women-paying jobs because men went to war. Since then, women have been able to get an education in the field they want to work in. Women have even created common things we use every day such as windshield wipers, home security systems, dishwashers, etc.
For centuries, women have been seen as caregivers and nurturers. As women gained independence and freedom over what they wanted their lives to look like, many went back to school to get an education, and many chose to be teachers to the youth.
Kathy Decker, an English teacher at Central High School, says the pros of being an educator are working in a women-friendly environment, which makes it easier. She also said the cons are the fact that some still expect female teachers to be nurturing, while that may not be the purpose of being a teacher. Ms. Decker also explained that being a woman is important because of the influence and impact we have.
“One of the pros of being a woman educator is there is more acceptance surrounding women pursuing this career so the pushback that women might experience in STEM fields for example does not exist,” said Amy Graziano, a central English teacher. She also feels that a con would be the struggles of any other job, such as being taken seriously by society as a whole.
Bella Ondevilla, a junior at Central High School, feels as though there are resources that make an effort to represent women of color, but in certain groups, she may struggle. Bella is an editor for the Central newspaper and holds other positions such as board member, while being in such a position, she feels people may pay attention less due to her age and or gender. However, for the majority of the time, she feels as though she can make a space where she’s comfortable. She feels as though celebrating women’s history is important so that we can look at what we had to do to get here and not repeat history.
It is very important to celebrate women and their successes. Women are not told that they are appreciated very often and it can make or break the comfort women feel in spaces. Londyn Bryant is a freshman at Central and through her experience, she has felt welcomed as a woman by Central’s atmosphere. She feels as though Central’s classes make a point to celebrate women and make sure that women get accurate representation. “Men and women are equal but men get recognition for a lot and it sucks because women do a lot,” said Bryant
