Women’s History Month 2022

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of women and their impact on our nation throughout history. Every year, Women’s History Month celebrates a different theme to honor women’s contributions over time. The theme of Women’s History Month this year is “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” offering a tribute to the tireless work of female healthcare workers and caregivers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to honoring those who have risked their lives working on the frontlines over the past two years, this theme also honors those who have been instrumental healers and caregivers throughout history as well.

There are countless ways to give back and honor women this month, including supporting women-owned businesses, donating to nonprofits and causes that honor women, sharing information about women-owned businesses on social media, and so much more. But first, a little history:

What is Women’s History Month?

Women’s History Month takes place from March 1^st through March 31^st every year and has been observed in the United States since 1987. Women’s History Month originated from a weeklong celebration that took place in Sonoma, California in 1978. The week was dedicated to celebrating women’s contributions to history, culture, and society. Presentations were given at dozens of schools and a parade was held in Santa Rosa. The idea began to catch on in other communities and school districts around the country and, in 1980, Jimmy Carter proclaimed the second week of March would be designated National Women’s History Week. In 1986, the National Women’s History Project petitioned Congress to expand National Women’s History Week into a month-long celebration, which they were granted in 1987.

Why Do We Celebrate Women’s History Month?

Women’s History Month offers an opportunity to honor the women in our life – mothers, grandmothers, wives, daughters, granddaughters, and friends. In addition to honoring those around us, it is also a great time to learn more about the powerful women who have come before us and honor the impact they have had on our nation’s history.

As we continue to fight the pandemic, we are reminded of the tremendous importance of female healers and caregivers who spend their lives helping to keep us healthy. Keeping the theme of “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope” in mind, our focus turns to medical pioneers such as Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first Black woman to receive a degree as a medical doctor in the U.S.; Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States; and Virginia Apgar, a female physician who invented the Apgar Score, which is used to assess the health of a newborn to combat infant mortality.

Outside of the healthcare field, Women’s History Month serves as a time to honor female trailblazers such as Sojourner Truth, Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony, Helen Keller, Harriet Tubman, and many more. A woman assists a patient in a hospital, checking an IV. A quote reads: "The theme of Women’s History Month this year is “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” offering a tribute to the tireless work of female healthcare workers and caregivers amid the COVID-19 pandemic."

How to Show Your Support

Learn More About the Issues Affecting Women Today

While we have certainly come quite a long way in America, women still face far more obstacles than men in nearly all aspects of life. Women earn less than men on average, face workplace stigmas — especially when it comes to raising children — and are underrepresented in leadership careers and politics.

Help Fight the Pink Tax

Although the Pink Tax is not actually a tax, it refers to discriminatory pricing on products that are designed for women. For example, women pay higher prices for shampoo, razors, haircuts, dry cleaning, and more, costing women an average of $1,300 more per year than men on similar items. The Pink Tax, coupled with women being paid less than men, leads to women having significantly less purchasing power in our country’s economy. To help combat this, support companies who are taking a stand against the Pink Tax such as Boxed, which took an industry-leading stance by reducing the sales tax on feminine hygiene products. Other companies include female razor company Billie and European Wax Center, which partnered with Refinery 29 on the Ax the Pink Tax campaign. In addition to making more conscious shopping decisions, call companies out when you notice they charge more for female vs. male products. Speak with state representatives, call companies out on social media, and speak with local retailers when you notice pricing discrepancies that aren’t fair.

Spread Awareness About Female-Owned Businesses on Social Media

If funds are a bit tight, there are many ways to show support and spread awareness that don’t involve spending money. Find local female-owned businesses in your area and show your support by sharing information about their services on Facebook, Instagram, and through word of mouth. Check out this directory to find women-owned businesses to support.

Support Nonprofits Dedicating to Helping Women

Supporting a charity that works with women and girls in need is a fantastic way to make an impact. Check out these nonprofits which are helping to make a positive impact on those in need:

LiveYourDream.org

Live Your Dream is dedicated to providing women and girls with access to the training and education needed to achieve career success. They invest more than $2.6 million in education grants to women every year and provide girls with the guidance, training, and resources needed to be successful in the workplace.

National Women’s Health Network (NWHF)

The National Women’s Health Network has a mission to make women’s reproductive healthcare accessible to any woman who needs it, regardless of her financial situation. The NWHF provides funding to clinics in the U.S. so women can visit the doctor or OBGYN when needed. The NWHF is also dedicated to promoting self-esteem among women and provides education around STDs, pregnancy, and healthy decisions overall.

Final Thoughts

As a family-owned property and financial services firm, we are proud to have several women in executive positions at Draper and Kramer who have had a significant impact in helping grow, expand, and strengthen our company into what it is today. Learn more by visiting

A medical professional woman sits at a desk holding a clipboard smiling.