From Rosie to Ride, fearless women have been smashing glass ceilings for centuries and March is dedicated to commemorating and honoring these women. Spanning from the fields of journalism, science, literature, sports, music and politics—countless inspirational women have worked tirelessly to make these fields more inclusive and to establish a women’s role—in tandem with men’s. 

Women’s History Month began in 1981 as Women’s History Week, after President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation declaring the week of Mar. 8 National Women’s History Week. Additionally, Congress passed legislation designating the entire month of March as National Women’s History Month.

Each year, the National Women’s History Alliance selects a theme. The official theme this year is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” which is dedicated to trailblazing women in media and storytelling, including literature, film, journalism, production and radio.

The Fenton InPrint is comprised of an all-female staff (in class), and its members have been constantly inspired and continue to be motivated by courageous women in journalism including: Gloria Steinem, Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey. 

Gloria Steinem is an American journalist and was an influential, outspoken advocate during the women’s rights movement in the late twentieth century. She preserved through male-dominated newsrooms in the late 1950s and 1960s, and carried herself with determination while seeking news pieces of merit about significant political and social happenings. In 1968, she helped found “New York Magazine,” where she became an editor and political writer. Steinem dedicated her life to advocacy for women, traveling across the country to speak at protests, writing feminist articles, and co-founding several organizations including the National Women’s Political Caucus, the Women’s Action Alliance, the Women’s Media Center, Voters for Choice and the Ms. Foundation for Women. In 2013, Steinem was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. 

“New York Times’s” Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey were the first to break the story in 2017 regarding Harvey Weinstein’s illegal financial happenings and sexual harassment allegations, while also providing a commentary on the treatment of women within the entertainment industry. Kantor and Twohey conducted an extensive investigation into Weinstein, while simultaneously receiving harsh backlash, disencouragement and threats. The pair ultimately succeeded in exposing Weinstein, sparking the #MeToo movement, and bringing awareness to the unbalanced power between men and women in the industry. Kantor and Twohey were awarded the Pulitzer Prize in public service.

Focusing locally, numerous women in vastly different fields, diverse backgrounds and distinct impacts on society inspire the women of Fenton.

FHS English teacher Heather Mulligan stated that she finds herself inspired by Margaret Mead. An anthropologist, Dr. Mead published notable research regarding the peoples of Oceania and provided significant, influential commentary on pressing social issues spanning from women’s rights, environmental pollution, drug abuse and to nuclear proliferation. She served as the president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 

Junior Cassandra Tatton stated, “I grew up inspired by Gabby Douglas, and it’s been so cool to see her accomplishments.” Douglass is a highly accomplished American Olympic medalist. She was the first American to claim gold medals in both the team and individual all-around events—making her the first black American to win the all-around title.

Junior Netta Moliterno said that she has always found Sally Ride to be inspiring. Ride was the first American woman to travel to outer space. Dr. Ride dedicated her life to science, and subsequently paved the way for young women in STEM, by ensuring they have a place and equal opportunities in these male-dominated fields.

March is dedicated to honoring women and their contributions to progression and inclusivity within vast fields, and recognizes the achievements of trailblazing feminists. 

To learn about the significance of Women’s History Month to InPrint staff members, check out @fentoninprint on Instagram.