Honoring Women’s History Month: Celebrating the Past, Inspiring the Future

I'm a member of Toastmasters. We meet weekly and each meeting has a theme. This past week it was HerStory -- The Power of Women. It was a perfect theme for our Professional Women Toastmasters club and for March -- Women's History Month!

Our Toastmaster of the Day shared the stories of several women and it never ceases to amaze me and remind me that incredible, brave women from not all that long ago broke barriers that have allowed me and my daughter to have the opportunities we have today.

Helen Blancher was the first woman to join toastmasters in 1970. Yes 1970! She broke the gender barrier of the then all-male club, joining under the name "Homer". Three years later the organization began officially began admitting women. She was later elected the first female International President in 1985. Thank you Helen!

Katherine Switzer was the first woman to officially run and finish the Boston marathon in 1967. Running it in 4 hours and 20 minutes and breaking gender misconceptions that women were too weak to run such distances. Women were officially able to enter the race in 1972. Thank you Katherine!

Elizabeth Blackwell was the first women to graduate from medical school in 1849. She had been rejected by 10 schools and finally accepted at the Geneva Medical College in New York where her application was believed to be a prank. She endured intense discrimination and became a respected physician and social reformer. Thank you Elizabeth!

And then there is Madam C.J. Walker (born Sarah Breedlove) who became the first self-made millionaire. She began as a washerwoman earning $1.50 a day but went on to create and launch a hair care empire with products made for African American women. Thank you Madam C.J. Walker!

Each March in the United States, we celebrate Women’s History Month, a dedicated time to honor the many ways women have shaped our world — from science and education to art, activism, culture, and leadership. What began as a week-long celebration in the late 1970s has grown into a nation-wide observance acknowledging women’s contributions in history, society, and culture.

When is Women’s History Month?

Women’s History Month runs throughout the entire month of March, with roots tied to International Women’s Day on March 8, a day recognized globally for over a century to celebrate women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements.

Where It Came From

The observance started humbly in Santa Rosa, California, where local activists organized Women’s History Week in 1978 to elevate women’s stories in classrooms and communities. The momentum grew quickly, leading to a national Presidential proclamation and, by 1987, Congress designated March as Women’s History Month — a powerful reminder that women’s contributions deserve our continuous attention and reflection.

Why It Matters

Women’s History Month isn’t just about celebrating individual accomplishments — it’s about recognizing patterns of exclusion, reclaiming hidden histories, and inspiring future generations:

• It reminds us that women’s voices have often been overlooked in mainstream narratives.

• It encourages deeper learning about how women helped shape the world we live in.

  
  

How You Can Celebrate

There are so many meaningful ways to participate:

• Learn and share stories of women innovators, change-makers, and everyday heroes.

• Amplify women-led voices — from local entrepreneurs to global specialists.

• Support women-owned businesses and creators.

• Host or attend educational events, discussions, or exhibits that center women’s achievements.

• Reflect on the women who’ve shaped your life — from ancestors and mentors to friends and colleagues.

Women’s History Month invites all of us to pause, celebrate, and continue pushing toward a future where every woman’s story is acknowledged, respected, and cherished.

So today I invite you to explore HerStory -- whether its a female hero of the past, a local woman business owner, or a friend or family member let's take time to celebrate and honor the amazing women in our lives.

Aromatic blessings,

Tricia