CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH ~

~ AND THE WOMEN WHO FOUGHT FOR THE RIGHT TO VOTE.

March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the brave women who fought for equality and paved the way for all of us. One of the most significant battles for women’s rights in the U.S. was the suffragette movement—a decades-long struggle to secure the right to vote. These women endured immense hardships, yet their resilience changed history.

The Fight for Suffrage

The women’s suffrage movement gained momentum in the mid-19th century, led by pioneers such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Sojourner Truth. They and countless others organized protests, lobbied lawmakers, and educated the public on the importance of women’s participation in democracy. Their demands were met with resistance, ridicule, and even violence.

Sacrifices and Struggles

Many suffragettes faced personal and professional losses. Some were ostracized by their families and communities, branded as radicals for challenging the status quo. Others lost their jobs or were denied opportunities simply because they advocated for women's rights.

One of the most infamous instances of their sacrifice came in 1917, when members of the National Woman’s Party, led by Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, picketed outside the White House. They held banners demanding President Woodrow Wilson’s support for women's suffrage using his own words to support their cause. In response, many were arrested and subjected to brutal treatment in prison. The “Night of Terror” on November 14, 1917, saw suffragettes beaten, chained to their cells, and force-fed when they went on hunger strikes. Their suffering drew national attention and increased support for the cause. You can learn more about this story in a very good 2004 film called Iron Jawed Angels.

A Lasting Legacy

After decades of struggle, the 19th Amendment was ratified on August 18, 1920, granting women the right to vote. This victory was hard-earned, and the sacrifices of these women should never be forgotten. Their courage paved the way for future generations to continue the fight for gender equality.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us honor these trailblazers by exercising our right to vote and advocating for the rights of all women. Their sacrifices remind us that progress is possible when we refuse to be silent.

Present Day Impact

In the 2024 U.S. presidential election, approximately 155.2 million votes were cast. Exit polls indicate that women constituted 53% of the electorate, which suggests that around 82.3 million women participated in the election. Notably, early voting data from key battleground states showed that women accounted for approximately 55% of early voters, highlighting their proactive engagement in the electoral process.