SAN JOSE, CALIF. — There have been many women in history who have made important contributions to society but unfortunately get written out of the books and stories being told. Women’s History Month (WHM) was created to celebrate notable women across the globe during March.

WHM was first created according to the Women’s History Month in 1981 under the name ‘Women’s History Week’ which was later changed into what we’re familiar with WHM in 1987. This was due to a petition by the National Women’s History Project getting Congress to pass Pub. L. 100-9 making the month of March WHM. The purpose of March is to celebrate the accomplishments of women from all over the globe but mostly within American History across many fields.

Sojourner Truth, a notable woman of color, became a person who spoke for abolition. She went on to raise a family in New York City in 1828 and went on a lecture tour where she delivered her famous ‘Ain’t I a Woman’ speech challenging the concept of racial and gender inequality and imbalance.

Another overlooked woman in history is Rosalind Franklin who is known for her contributions for the discovery of the molecular structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). She studied physical chemistry at Newham College and collaborated with scientists James Watson and Francis Creek but was ultimately overshadowed and overlooked. Fortunately in recent times, she has been more widely recognized for her contributions in the field of STEM.

One of the more popular icons who isn’t often attributed with being a Women in History is Barbra Millicent Roberts, or more commonly known as Barbie. First being released on March 19, 1959, Barbie has been described over the years as a first of her kind. Back when she was released most of the dolls being sold on the market were dolls that confined young girls to a life of motherhood. Barbie was one of the first dolls that allowed for young girls to aspire to be more than just a mom.

Irene Dalis was a San Jose woman who became an international opera star and was the founder of ‘Opera San Jose’. Dalis has won many awards for her extraordinary talent including the Grand Prix du Disque, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Silicon Valley Arts & Business Awards and San Jose State University’s Tower Award, as well as honorary Doctor of Music degrees at SJSU and Santa Clara University.

In a world where men are placed on the top of the hierarchy, having a woman surpass the odds proves that she doesn’t have to be a man to succeed. Women are often treated worse within the work force and in professional settings, with women of color having the end of the stick. Silver Creek freshman Bella Le says, “Women’s History Month is so important because most of us would be in this situation, or have the opportunities that we deserve if it weren’t for the women who sacrificed back then”.