March is here, and with it comes Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women throughout history. Stanton, KY, this is your chance to honor the women who’ve shaped our world—and maybe even our small-town charm. Let’s dive into how you can make this month meaningful, fun, and empowering.
Why March? The Story Behind Women’s History Month
Ever wonder why March gets all the glory for Women’s History Month? It all started with International Women’s Day on March 8, a global celebration of women’s achievements. Back in 1978, a group in Sonoma County, California, decided one day wasn’t enough—they kicked off Women’s History Week, featuring essay contests, classroom presentations, and even a parade. By 1987, Congress declared all of March as National Women’s History Month, and the rest is history (pun intended).
Women Who Changed the World (And Our Lives)
Let’s take a moment to appreciate some of history’s fiercest trailblazers. These women didn’t just break barriers—they shattered them:
- Susan B. Anthony: Fought tirelessly for women’s right to vote. She didn’t just knock on doors; she kicked them down.
- Harriet Tubman: Risked her life to lead enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad.
- Sojourner Truth: Delivered one of history’s most powerful speeches, “Ain’t I a Woman?” advocating for both racial and gender equality.
- Malala Yousafzai: A modern-day hero who stood up for girls’ education despite unimaginable challenges.
These women remind us that bravery isn’t about being fearless—it’s about taking action despite fear.
How Stanton Can Celebrate Women’s History Month
You don’t need a big city budget to make this month special. Here are some simple yet impactful ways for Stanton folks to celebrate:
1. Host a Local Walk for Women
Grab your sneakers and organize a community walk. Use it as a chance to share stories about inspiring women—local or global—and raise awareness about ongoing challenges women face today. Bonus points if you post your “Why I Walk” story on social media!
2. Support Women-Owned Businesses
Stanton may be small, but it surely has its share of women entrepreneurs. Whether it’s grabbing coffee at a woman-owned café or shopping at local boutiques, show your support by spending your dollars where they matter most.
3. Organize an Empowerment Event
Throw a Stanton-style celebration! Ideas include:
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A movie night featuring films directed by or starring strong female leads.
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A book club focused on works by influential women authors.
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A dinner party with dishes inspired by famous women chefs (Julia Child vibes, anyone?).
Make it fun and inclusive—because celebrating women should feel like a party.
4. Share Stories on Social Media
Spread the word! Post quotes from inspiring women or share historical tidbits about suffragists like Elizabeth Cady Stanton (yes, she shares your town name!) or modern icons like Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Use hashtags like #WomensHistoryMonth or #WhyIWalk to join the larger conversation.
Let’s Talk About Progress
While we celebrate how far we’ve come, let’s not forget there’s still work to do. Women continue to face challenges like wage gaps, underrepresentation in leadership roles, and societal double standards. By raising awareness and supporting initiatives that empower women, Stanton can be part of the solution.
Fun Fact: Stanton Shares Its Name With Feminist Royalty
Did you know Elizabeth Cady Stanton was one of the most influential figures in the fight for women’s suffrage? While there’s no direct connection between her and our town (as far as we know), it feels pretty cool to share her name during Women’s History Month.
Get Inspired by Kentucky Legends
Kentucky has its own share of incredible women worth celebrating:
- Loretta Lynn, the Coal Miner’s Daughter herself, broke barriers in country music while singing about life as a working-class woman.
- Alice Dunnigan, born in Russellville, KY, was the first African American woman credentialed to cover Congress and the White House as a journalist.
These Kentucky-born legends remind us that greatness can come from anywhere—even small towns like Stanton.
Make This March Count
Whether you’re walking for women, sharing stories online, or supporting local businesses run by powerhouse ladies, there are countless ways to make Women’s History Month meaningful here in Stanton. Let this month be a reminder that every voice matters—and every action counts.
So grab your friends (and maybe some pie from that woman-owned bakery downtown) and start celebrating!
Sources: nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org, blog.soroptimist.org, history.com
Header Image Source: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
