From leading the Civil Rights Movement to paving the way for other young girls, women such as Rosa Parks, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Malala Yousafzai and countless others have played a vital role in shaping the world. Women’s History Month not only acknowledges the contribution women have made in this world, but also amplifies women’s voices in order to honor their place in history and inspire future generations.

It began as just a day-long celebration coined “International Women’s Day,” first taking place on March 8, 1911. Then after the day-long celebration turned into a weeklong celebration, and culture caught speed in Sonoma, California in 1978, and became official when former President Jimmy Carter expanded it to a week in 1980. Six years after that, the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the event to the entire month of March.

As there are more women in politics, more women in the workforce and more women in the military, history is said to be being made as we know it.

This March, celebrate all women who have come before. As America nears the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, which granted women the right to vote in August of 1920, it can be remembered how far women’s equality has progressed.