Women of Impact

by Anita Benedict

   March is Women’s History Month where we highlight the contributions of women to events, sciences, entertainment and society. On March 8th we also celebrate International Women’s

Day.

   I recently watched a farcical video on Facebook entitled “How Different Countries Teach History.” I found it amusing for many reasons, and they had a really great point toward the end -

“remember, if you don’t understand your past, you will never understand your future.” But it was a question from a pretend student at the end that took me by surprise, bringing

home the “his” in history. “What about women in history?” asks the student.

 “Ah, excellent question; nobody knows,” was the answer from all the male “teachers.”

   As I sat to write this, I tried thinking of famous women who made a difference, without the help of Google; Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, Indira Ghandi, Angela Merkle, Marie Curie, Rosa

Parks, Amelia Earhart, Boudicca, Nora Bernard, Maya Angelou, Maude Lewis, Agatha Christie, and Viola Desmond were who came to mind in a short amount of time. I can see the faces of others, but can’t pin a name to them.

    On Facebook, there were a few poster images with women who have impacted history with their lives, through actions. Most I did not recognize, but a few stood out; Harriet Tubman, Ruth

Bader Ginsburg, and Malala Yousafzai. Philomena Cunk, if you are familiar with her odd humour, had a pretty blatant meme attributed to her. “Women have always existed in the

background of history, largely being used as human pets for men, largely tolerated for their magical ability to excrete fresh humans,” …and I will leave it there.

   Women have fought for the right to exist since time began, fought for the same rights as men, and even fought for the right to be a “person.” So many “rights” have only been granted by the

patriarchy in the last century, but I don’t want to fall down that rabbit hole.

   Can you name 10 women who have positively impacted your life in your community? I was able to count more than that, but some were short, yet powerful meetings with these women, while others have been friends for years.

    You will find women building community, creating events, doing the work, teaching and providing opportunities for our children. Women are truly amazing in every way. The stuff we put up with just our own bodies. It never freaking ends. That’s why I get cranky over a women’s right to choose being taken away. I am beginning to be like Alice in Wonderland, falling down rabbit holes. Best not get started on some issues.

   So, this month, and every month, take a look at the brave women throughout history, and those who are brave right now. “I’m only human, I am a woman,” not “I am just a woman.”