March 1st kicked off the first day of America’s Women’s History Month: a time to remember and celebrate inspirational women who broke through gender barriers. Women’s History Month coincides with  International Women’s day, which takes place on March 8th. The United Nations proclaimed March 8th as International Women’s day in 1975, but America has observed the day in smaller ways as early as 1911, nearly a decade before American women were granted the right to vote. The establishment of women’s history week first started in the 1980’s by President Jimmy Carter. Then in 1987, President Reagan expanded it into a week.  Each year, there is a specific theme. “The 2017 theme for National Women’s History Month honors women who have successfully challenged the role of women in both business and the paid labor force. Women have always worked, but often their work has been undervalued and unpaid.”

This month is all about highlighting women from all different backgrounds and time periods that made the world a better place. It’s necessary to reflect on the successful women of the past in order to preserve their names and legacies. I asked Air Academy students and staff who was the most important woman in history. Here are their responses:

“Queen Victoria was the most important woman in history because she was the first woman to actually hold a position of power in the world.”   – Dillon P.

“Madame Curie inspires me because she was one of the first women to succeed in science without being overshadowed by a man she worked with.” – Julia G.

“I think Mother Teresa made a huge difference because she gave up everything for other people and opened her heart to those less fortunate to see them get better and prosper.” – Megan M.

“I’d say either Susan B. Anthony or Rosa Parks – Anthony because she led the movement for equal rights for women and Rosa Parks because she represented civil equality and helped jumpstart the civil rights movement.” – Ethan P.

“In my opinion, Marie Curie is the most important woman because her crucial contribution to science is fundamental to many of the achievements we have in science today.” – Alexis

“Sandra Day O’Connor is an inspiration to me because she was the first female Justice of the Supreme Court. She paved the way for many women after her.” – Lily K.

“Susan B. Anthony is the most important woman in history because she fought for women’s rights.” – Morgan

“I think Mother Teresa is the most important woman in history because her selfless devotion to others not only made an astounding impact on the poor, sick, and dying, but also inspired, and continues to inspire, many others to give their lives to help people.” – Sophie B.

 “I would definitely say that goes to Susan B. Anthony. She pushed ideas that were considered taboo and was a pioneer in women rights. Equality is one of the most important things to me because of what she did; she is also the most important woman in history to me. – Taylor J.

“I would have to go with Beyoncé because she makes groundbreaking music while fighting for women’s and blacks’ rights.” – Tatum M.

“I would say Marie Curie was possibly one of the most important women in history. She fought against a misogynistic society and did groundbreaking research and helped pave the way for showing that women were just as capable as men and the need for equality of education among men and women as everyone has the potential of amounting to something great.”  – Claire R.

“Margaret Thatcher contributed so much to women’s history. She was a prominent figure in England’s politics and one of the first strong woman politicians.” – Tucker H.

I think Maya Angelou because she has the most inspirational quotes and encourages everyone to find their voice.