Editorial: Celebrating the nameless women
March is Women’s History Month. During the month, we celebrate and tout the accomplishments of female history makers. Most times, our attention focuses on well-known names; yet, there are many names that are left off the “popular” list of women to be acknowledged.
The list of omitted names includes your mothers, sisters, aunts, friends, and daughters. And while global names are important for future leaders to see, it’s equally important for young girls to see women in their own households and local communities celebrated for the heroic acts they perform every day. But for some, putting a meal on the dinner table took just as much effort as running for vice president of the United States.
We don’t hear about the single mother, standing in both parental roles; or the widow, who has to redefine her role in the household; or the student who stays in school despite all legitimate reasons for her to quit. These nameless women should have a place in our celebration each March, too. In their own way, they are blazing trails that are noteworthy to their families and communities.
I know it’s impossible – and impractical – to have a huge list with billions of names that we place on social media for the world to see. But what if we all had our own “big” list that celebrates all the women in our personal and professional circles? Would that not be a start to expanding the celebration beyond the select few?
Look around you. There is plenty of opportunity to celebrate these nameless heroines. She’s standing behind the register at the grocery store, or sitting in the boardroom, or nurturing children at a daycare, or making scientific breakthroughs. And even if you don’t know her name, she is worthy of the celebration, the acknowledgement. Chances are, somewhere down the line or up the line, she is connected to history and greatness.
A big “Thank You” goes out to all women, especially those who are doing it without the recognition. Today, we salute you!
Bridget Elam is managing editor of The Chronicle, author, mother and wife, and advocate for women’s rights.
