March Maidens: Honoring the Women Who Made Us Strong

Benny Johnson March 22, 2013 No Comments

by Benny Johnson (Out Impact on Facebook, Out Impact on Twitter)

Women’s History Month is more than just an obligatory lunch ‘n’ learn where we get a run down of names we’ve heard a dozen times before. Women’s History Month is about celebrating the (inner and outer) beauty, fortitude and perseverance of the wombed warriors that make up the backbone of society

Whether you’re digging through old 8mms to convert to DVD so your mom and/or sisters can enjoy your memories, or planning a night out with your best girls at your favorite wine bar, paying homage to extraordinary women is what this month is about. Taking a look back at some of history’s trend-setting, rule-breaking women is what this month is all about.

Emmeline Pankhurst (1858-1928)

The often-overlooked Emmeline broke barriers in the UK with a spunk and zest that we wish we could bottle up. She founded the Women’s Franchise League and the Women’s Social and Political Union. Her methodology was to make a lot of noise and bend her beliefs for no one. This resulted in her getting arrested on multiple occasions and even being force fed while on hunger strike. Ultimately, her efforts generated countless jobs for women and led to women being able to vote and join parliament in the UK. Watch out, Big Ben!

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Eva Peron (1919-1952)

The first lady of Argentina and of many of our hearts on Broadway (you have to admit, Madonna killed it) made more than just the fodder for a musical life story. Eva founded the first large scale female political party Argentina had ever seen, called the Female Peronist Party. Her charity (although a little cash might have gone astray), the Eva Peron Foundation, shone a light on the plight of the poor and homeless. She even had a city named after her, Ciudad Evita. In 1951, the people of Argentina put together a rally of two million, titled the “Cabildo Abierto,” in an attempt to get her to run for Vice President. This was the biggest rally ever held for a female political figure— and Argentina did cry for her.

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Queen Boudica (d. Approx. AD 60)

This bodacious woman warrior gets skipped over in history books far too often. When Boudica’s husband died, his will dictated that he wanted his kingdom split between the Roman Empire and his daughters. Unfortunately, his request was ignored and his kingdom was annexed by Rome. The queen was beaten while her daughters were raped, and she would have none of it. With Rome encroaching on her land, Queen Boudica gathered forces and led an uprising while developing new chariot technology. Boudica decided that she had had enough of the Roman occupation and lead one of the most ferocious sieges ever recorded against them. Dressed like a soldier, fair hair flying, she may have ultimately lost the war, but she gave them a battle no one would ever forget.

While these women helped shape the history of our world, the women you love have undoubtedly helped shape the history of your life. This month, take a moment to share memories with them. Pull out the old scrapbook, pop in your home movies, talk about the good old days and remember where we all came from.