As the calendar flips to March, a familiar hue washes over our screens: a cascade of empowering slogans and corporate platitudes. The world dedicates March to celebrating women, marking it as Women’s History Month, just as how February is curated as the love month.
Women’s History Month is a time dedicated to honoring the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women throughout history and in today’s society.
But beyond the celebration this March lies a deeper purpose: to confront persistent inequalities, challenge stereotypes, and empower women to continue shaping a better future. It is not just about celebrating progress; it is about acknowledging the relentless journey, the quiet battles fought in boardrooms, and the unwavering spirit that refuses to be confined.
This year’s theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment” serves as a rallying cry for collective action to improve gender equality. Thus, this March, beyond the curated social media posts and fleeting likes, let us delve deeper into the visceral truth and explore the unfurling crimson thread of womanhood — the very lifeblood that shapes our world.
Why is March ‘Women’s History Month’?
Women’s History Month originated from International Women’s Day, which was initially marked on March 8. In 1911, it was honored as part of labor movements advocating for better working conditions and voting rights for women. Over time, it evolved into a month-long observance to recognize the often-overlooked contributions of women across all fields—science, politics, arts, and beyond.
It is deeply rooted in the struggle for equality — from the garment workers’ strikes in the early 20th century to the tireless advocacy of suffragettes, the need for a dedicated space to amplify women’s voices became undeniable. The celebration serves as a recognition that history, for too long, has been written with a distinct masculine slant.
This year is particularly significant as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark global blueprint for advancing women’s rights. While strides have been made, the fight for indisputable equity continues. The wage gap persists, representation in leadership remains skewed, and gender-based violence casts a long, dark shadow.
Women’s History Month in March serves as a crucial reminder that the work is far from over, a call to action for dismantling systemic barriers and fostering a world where gender is not a determinant of opportunity.
The symphony of womanhood
The symphony of womanhood
To be a woman is to navigate a labyrinth of expectations and contradictions. It is the delicate balance of strength and vulnerability, the fierce determination tempered with empathetic understanding. It is the joy of creation, whether birthing a child or birthing a business, and the quiet resilience in the face of adversity.
It is the constant negotiation of space, the subtle reminders of societal limitations. It is the shared experience of navigating a world often designed without us in mind.
To be a woman is to be a fragment of an orchestra of experiences, a chorus of voices, a dance of contrasting emotions and unwavering strength. To be a woman is to be a delicate flute of vulnerability, a powerful brass of determination, the rhythmic percussion of balance, the warm strings of empathy, and the soaring vocals of creativity. To truly understand it, we must listen to the individual instruments, the unique stories that contribute to the grand, resonating sound.
In this age of digital connectivity, the experience of womanhood is amplified, both in its beauty and its complexity. Social media offers a space for connection and advocacy but also exposes the relentless barrage to conform to unrealistic beauty standards and the vitriol directed at women who dare to speak their minds, further contributing to the challenges of navigating womanhood in the 21st century.
Defying the script and breaking the barriers
To be a woman in the 21st century is both empowering and challenging. It is about rewriting the script of womanhood, challenging long-held stereotypes with every step.
Today, a woman is a CEO shattering glass ceilings, a scientist pushing the boundaries of discovery, an artist challenging societal norms, and a mother balancing career and family with unwavering grace. Most importantly, today’s woman is a force to be reckoned with, refusing to be confined by outdated notions of femininity.
Women are now at the forefront of climate activism, demanding accountability and driving sustainable solutions. We see them in the halls of power and movements for social justice, challenging the status quo and advocating for policies prioritizing equity and inclusion. Women are breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields like technology, politics, and sports.
Kamala Harris, the first female VP of the United States
From Kamala Harris serving as the first female vice president of the United States to Malala Yousafzai advocating for female education globally, women today are redefining what leadership looks like. In the sports industry, we are witnessing women break records and redefine athleticism, demanding equal pay and recognition. In the field of entertainment, female directors and writers are finally gaining the spotlight, creating narratives that reflect the diverse experiences of women.
Yet, systemic barriers remain. Globally, women still earn less than men for equal work, spend three times more hours on unpaid care labor, and face disproportionate impacts from crises like climate change and armed conflict.
For many women — especially those from marginalized communities — intersectional discrimination compounds these challenges. The experience of being a woman today is one of navigating these complexities while striving for progress.
As we celebrate Women’s Month in March this year, let us celebrate not just the strength of women but also their boundless capacity for change. It requires action at every level—advocating for policies that promote gender equality, supporting female entrepreneurs, amplifying marginalized voices, and challenging stereotypes wherever they arise.
The theme “For ALL Women and Girls” reminds us that progress must be inclusive; no one should be left behind in the pursuit of equality. Let us work together — across genders, generations, and cultures — to create a world where every woman has the opportunity to realize her full potential.
