On March 12, 2025, Eisenhower’s six Woman Studies students will be presenting for this year’s Women’s History Month. We will be accompanied by our teacher and sole organizer, Mrs.Montoya, who will be the orchestrating event in person. Presenters and teachers will be performing alongside our drummer, Jason Evans. Who has been one of the Ike students seen in the Las Vegas shows. Women Studies will be in the cafeteria, and will start and end at fifth period.
I’m going to be presenting as well. We’ve been committed to commemorating Women’s History since January, and are excited to share what we’ve learned with the rest of the school. Though, it’s important to recognize why we celebrate it in the first place.
ABOUT WOMEN’S HISTORY
All of March is dedicated to amplifying the voices of women throughout the ages. Similarly to Pride and Black History, it serves to uplift those who might have never gotten the chance to see themselves represented as artists, scientists, and heroes. Additionally, it encourages curiosity and compassion for those who can’t relate.
Women’s History was celebrated locally back in 1978 in California’s Sonoma school district. It was a weeklong event falling on March 8th that migrated from districts to communities (National Women’s History Museum). In February 1980, President Jimmy Carter signed it into becoming “National Women’s History Week.” It would take seven years for congress to officially declare it as “Women’s History Month,” in response to the National Women’s History Project’s petitions. (HISTORY, Women’s History Month 2025)
Advocating for women and giving them the credit they deserve is crucial. Throughout history girls have been discriminated against, whether it be refusing them their autonomy or dismissing their impact on society. WHM is a reminder that everyone is capable of great things, no matter gender, orientation, or race. Our past is just as important as our future.
PINK: HISTORY’S MOST CONTROVERSIAL COLOR
The first presentation will be a brief look into the color pink. Specifically, how it became a feminine color, and how it’s affected women over the years. Pink has many meanings, but the presentation mainly focuses on its evolution in the west. From Greek botany to post war consumerism, pink remains the most controversial color in North America.
THE TORY BURCH FOUNDATION
Next up, we’ll be looking at the Tory Burch Foundation, and the resources they give to women entrepreneurs. Tory Burch was founded in 2004 in New York as a luxury fashion business, however, their mission is to empower women by giving them the tools they need, such as access to greater education and funds to open their own businesses. It was founded in 2009 by Burch herself for women to independize themselves in the rat race, and her foundation was inspired by her own experiences as a women designer. Hoping to make an impact with her community and wealth.
HELLO KITTY
Speaking of inspiring designs, we’ll be going down a nostalgic route with Hello Kitty. A popular British icon, and our final presentation. Yuko Shimizu, a Japanese designer, created her for Sanrio during their search for new marketable designs for their shoes (BBC, ‘I created Hello Kitty’). She quickly became one of the most recognisable and idolized characters in media. Her charming design and popularity lead to an entire series centered around her. Hello Kitty has resonated with thousands of people, especially young girls, who idolize her friendly nature and warm personality. Walking around campus should be enough to see the impact that her and Shimizu have had. We wouldn’t have had influential girl leads had the efforts of women artists gone unseen.
Women’s history is a wonderful time to learn and be inspired by the stories of the past. We hope we can open your eyes to new perspectives and ideas. Mrs.Montoya and the rest of the Women Studies class are excited to see you wednesday. We all wish you a happy Women’s History and spring break.