Women’s History Month began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California, in the late 1970s. It has since progressed into a whole month of celebrating women and their achievements. Women’s contributions have long been overlooked, and in 1980 President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8 Women’s History Week. Then a few years later, Congress passed Public Law 100-9, designating March as Women’s History Month.
2022 was packed with significant milestones for women, some putting us forward but others putting us back.
January
The American Women Quarters Program was launched, making Maya Angelou the first woman to appear on a U.S. quarter.
March
Cardi B became the first woman to have every song on an album become platinum, certified by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America).
May
Stéphanie Frappart becomes the first woman to referee a men’s World Cup match.
June
Roe v. Wade is overturned
June
Ketanji Brown Jackson is sworn in as the 116th Supreme Court justice and the first Black woman to serve on the high court.
July
Ukraine ratifies the Istanbul Convention, an international treaty preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.
December
American basketball star Brittney Griner is released from Russian detention.
In addition, new records for women in the U.S. Congress, House, and state legislatures were set. It was a big year for women!
At Medcom Benefit Solutions, we are proud to say that 4/7 of our leadership members are women, and over half of our staff are women. As we take the day and the month to celebrate women and the strides made for their rights, it’s important to recognize women like those listed above that made it all possible. Take the time to show appreciation to the women in your life this month, and Happy Women’s History Month!
