The month of March is celebrated in various ways: St. Patrick’s Day, March Madness and even the beginning of spring. While these create fun opportunities for celebration, more importantly, March is also dedicated to Women’s History Month, a time for celebrating and honoring women.

For decades, March has been observed as a time when people can recognize women’s contributions to American history, culture and society. What started as just a local week-long celebration in California turned into a movement that spread across the country, with communities starting their own Women’s History Week celebrations.

In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. It was not until 1987 when Congress passed a law to designate March as Women’s History Month.

Having a month solely to women and our history is significant because it allows us the opportunity to spread our knowledge and appreciation of women who haven’t been recognized. It is a time to tell stories that are not being told.

As a woman, I believe it is important to share these stories to influence the young women who will help define our future. Emphasizing how the countless contributions to our history give future generations the opportunity to gain a sense of confidence they need to let them know that they can make a difference one day as well.

One thing that can be done to support women outside of Women’s History Month is to educate yourself on the many opportunities available. For example, you could donate to a women’s nonprofit organization or shop at a women-owned small business, support female authors and artists or even write a thank-you letter to a woman who inspires you the most.

Watching documentaries or movies about female empowerment is also another way to observe Women’s History Month. Recently, a movie called “Moxie” was released on Netflix and is about a teenager who starts a revolution at her school to battle sexism against women. One aspect of the movie is how all the students who support the revolution draw hearts and stars on their hands. This is an example of a small but powerful gesture that can say more than you think.

While hearts and stars on hands may wash away, the fight for gender equality will linger until our purpose is fulfilled. Empowering women is essential to the future, of not only in our community, but the world as a whole.