Not only are the days getting longer and the temperatures getting warmer, but March also celebrates Women's History Month. This event was first recognized and celebrated in 1987. The international celebration honors contributions and achievements women have brought to the world. Women's History Month grew out of a Women's History Week that was first celebrated in Sonoma County, California in 1978. Finally, in 1980, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the week of March 8th as the first National Women's History Week. This was eventually expanded into Women's History Month by the U.S. Congress in the year 1987.
As I have had the privilege of coaching and training many women over the years, it is still important to note that there are many struggles that women face as they try to make strides in an organization or business. I hear the challenges of juggling family life, biases around what is expected of women, lack of access and support, or even if they should wear their wedding band during an interview because of fear that they won't be chosen since there is an assumption that they might want to have children and that would equate to giving maternity leave. Yes, this might sound a bit crazy, but this is reality.
Over the last 2 years during the pandemic, research showed that women were more vulnerable to COVID-19 related economic effects because of existing gender inequalities. Although we have come a long way, there is still more that can be done to provide access and opportunity for women all over the world.