It is no secret that the contributions of women have not always been told. Yet National Women’s History Month every March reminds us that there are national celebrations to honor the significant role of women. Celebrating women like this was not always the case…But, that’s a different “her-story” for another day.
Today I wondered: How do we learn about what really made these women were? How do we stop to consider “her-story” that doesn’t get covered in the newspaper? What can we learn from the leadership these women provided during times far less tolerant than today?
Sojourner Truth was the 19th century abolitionist who stood courageously and told her version with “Ain’t I a Woman?” And can you imagine the fortitude of civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer when she said that she was “sick and tired of being sick and tired”? Finally, Amy Tan, author of the Joy Luck Club Amy Tan reminded us to maneuver our destiny and leverage our legacy when she said that “If you can’t change fate, change your attitude.”
Now it is incumbent upon each of us to raise the consciousness about courageous and dynamic women leaders. Why? Too often their roles have been diminished or overlooked in history book. So, why not add “her story books” on the shelves?
Rather than just nodding our heads in agreement about “those great trailblazers” or a sharing a fleeting moment of nostalgia about a dynamic women orator, why not take pause to reflect upon what made them who they were? I’d like to think there’s a way to assess their contributions and, in turn, learn to become better leaders ourselves.
Today I kick off a month of reflections about the women leaders I most admire. It’s just a stop along the trail to sit back and appreciate how they paved the way. Join me in conversation celebrating dynamic women leaders on the National Women’s History Month Blog and Radio Tour here and here.
