Women’s History Month was first established in March of 1987, celebrating the amazing accomplishments, inventions, and ideas of women around the world and acknowledging the lack of recognition they had received until this time. Women’s History Month allows the world to put a spotlight on some of the key women who have made contributions to better our lives and society. From mothers to doctors to teachers, every one of them has their own unique story that deserves to be shared. Below are five incredible women’s stories that explain why Women’s History Month is an important part of our yearly celebrations.
Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer
Ada Lovelace was born on December 10, 1815, in England and died November 27, 1852. She was taught by private tutors and intelligent scholars who helped her learn more than she would have in public schools, fostering her intellectual curiosity. One of her favorite tutors was the first professor of mathematics at the University of London, Augustus De Morgan. Lovelace, with a passion for mathematics and machines, was inspired by De Morgan to pursue them. These interests, combined with her intelligence and creativity, led Lovelace to become the first computer programmer. This was revolutionary because at the time women could barely get an education, let alone one in mathematics and science. Lovelace invented the idea of a computer language long before the first computer was actually invented. She often went uncredited due to the assumption that women could not have been so intelligent, but Women’s History Month highlights her story and gives her the recognition she deserved.
Oprah Winfrey, television host and producer
Oprah Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954 in Mississippi. Winfrey moved to Tennessee for college, where she earned a degree in communications. She became a broadcaster and began working for the local news at only 19 years old. After being a reporter for ABC News, Winfrey hosted a talk show that garnered so much success that we now know it as The Oprah Winfrey Show. She also did some work as an actress and was in the 1985 film The Color Purple; she also was the voice behind characters like Gussy the goose from Charlotte’s Web. Winfrey then created her own television company, Harpo Productions Inc., making her the first woman to own a production company. Winfrey uses her media presence to publicly advocate for social issues such as the killing of George Floyd and women’s rights. For her impact in the industry and the lives of Americans, she has received many awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a Golden Globe and several Emmys.
Sally Ride, astronaut
Sally Ride was born on May 26, 1951, in California. At Stanford University, she earned her master’s degree in science and doctorate in physics. Because of the skill set she had developed, she became one of six women accepted by NASA to become astronauts in 1978. Athletic since childhood, space training was much easier for Ride than the other applicants. On June 18, 1983, she became the first woman in space when she rode the Challenger space shuttle with five others. The mission was a success and in 1984, Ride went into space again. Afterward, Ride became the director of the California Space Science Institute and a professor at the University of California San Diego. On July 23, 2012, she passed away from cancer at the age of 61. Sally Ride was a trailblazer for all future women astronauts and helped society advance in space.
Glennon Doyle, author and activist
Glennon Doyle is an American writer with her own podcast, “We Can Do Hard Things.” Born in 1976, she struggled with bulimia and addiction during her teenage years. Because of this, she had to spend some time in a mental institute at age seventeen; by the time she made it to college, she was an alcoholic with a drug addiction. She graduated from James Madison University in 1999 with a degree in English. Doyle then went on to write a book called Carry on Warrior where she talks about her struggles with insecurities and societal pressure as a woman. After her divorce from her husband in 2016, Doyle met and married pro soccer player Abby Wambach. Doyle and Wambach co-own the Angel City FC soccer team, which is the first team to be owned by a majority of women. A fierce advocate of women’s and LGTBQ+ rights, Doyle has helped shape history and the future and started a foundation called Together Rising. Doyle has inspired many with her fierce voice and powerful will to live life to its fullest, despite a challenging childhood and early adulthood. She has helped make society a better place by taking major risks in her life in order to pave the way for future women.
Emma (X) González (They/Them), activist
X González is a 24 year old gun control activist. They were born in 1999 and attended Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where they survived one of the deadliest high school shootings in history. After surviving the shooting, X became an activist for gun control. They started the #neveragain movement which encourages the government to pass safety laws to prevent future shootings. In addition to activism, González was a part of Project Aquila, a student organization to create a weather balloon. González is an inventive, outspoken, inspirational leader and role model for younger teens. As an inventive, outspoken, and inspirational role model for teens, González is dedicated to stopping school shootings and enacting change.
These women are just a few of the many who have shaped our society, made discoveries and changed the future. Women’s History Month is an important opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of women, and inspire people to learn more about their achievements throughout all the months of the year.
