March is women’s history a month; a month to appreciate and honor all the women who have and are currently making a change in the world. It’s important to shine light on the achievements of women and their contributions to society to make sure efforts do not go unnoticed. Listed below are some influential women of today’s world and their impact on the global community.
CAITLIN CLARK
“I’m all about growing the women’s game,” said Caitlin Clark, the girl paving the way of collegiate basketball history. Clark has played NCAA DI basketball for the past four years at the University of Iowa. In her time there, she has set numerous records including becoming the all-time leading scorer first in women’s collegiate basketball, and then across men’s and women’s basketball. She passed Pete Maravich’s record of 3,667 points this past March. Additionally, she broke the NCAA DI record for 3 points scored in a season, surpassing Stephen Curry’s previous record of 162. Clark is changing the game of women’s basketball, and her talent is going to be taken to the big leagues next season as she plans to enter the WNBA draft.
YAEL ADMI and REEM HAJAJREH
Yael Admi (Israeli) and Reem Hajajreh (Palestinian) are behind the founding and leading of movements for peace and non-violence. Their ongoing efforts have been recognized by TIME magazine’s list of 12 “Women of the Year.” Admi founded the organization named, “Women Wage Peace,” as Hajajreh founded its sister organization named, “Women of the Sun.” Being founded by women, these organizations highlight the role of women in leadership positions. They advocate for coexistence between the areas of Palestine and Israel and seek nonviolent and lasting solutions to the brutality. Despite continuous conflicts between the areas, these organizations have not stopped their efforts for peace.
FAWZIA KARIM FIROZE
Fawzia Firoze is a Bangladeshi advocate who has fought for the rights of garment workers for more than three decades. She has endlessly fought for the protection of domestic workers and has helped to establish the Bangladesh Independent Garment Workers Union Federation (BIGUF). She has taken on around 3,000 of the workers cases of inadequate treatment and conditions by their employers. This past November, she was elected to a five-member committee to review sexual assault harassment cases and has been able to provide her recommendations to court.
OLIVIA RODRIGO
Popstar Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘GUTS World Tour’ has been underway for about a month now and is set to continue until mid-August. Rodrigo is a passionate advocate for women’s health rights, so it didn’t come as a shock when she announced that some of her proceeds from the concert will go to “Fund 4 Good”; a fund that supports women’s reproductive health freedom. Additionally, she is partnering with the National Network of Abortion Funds in North America to help women get the reproductive care they deserve. Her persistence in advocating for women is admirable at her young age of 22.
WOMEN IN FILM
The 96th Academy Awards on March 10th honored the remarkable year 2023 was for women in film. Thirteen women won Oscars at this year’s ceremony; 85% of them being first time winners. Billie Eilish became the youngest two-time Oscar winner ever after sweeping the category of “Best Song” for her feature in the Barbie movie, “What Was I made for.” Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” was additionally recognized for being the highest-grossing film ever directed by a woman. The Little Mermaid was also one of the top 10 highest-grossing films of last year played by lead Halle Bailey. Emma stone took home her second “Best Actress” Oscar for her role in “Poor Things.” Some of the first-time recipients included director Justine Triet for “Best Original Screenplay,” and Da’Vine Joy Randolph for “Best Supporting Actress.”
Although March is the month set to appreciate women, it is important to acknowledge their successes and societal attributions every day. Facing inequality and adversity daily, women have and continue to make their mark on a global scale.
