Women & Their History
March is women's history month. SK Simple Solutions is taking a detour from organizing tips to delve into the lives of some amazing women. What women are your heroes, your inspiration, your role model? Think about these women. Write a letter to a woman who made an impact in your life or the influence they have had in your life. Share your stories with others.
Dolores Huerta: 1930–
"Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world."
Born in New Mexico, a daughter of a miner and farmer. A voice for the rights of workers. Dolores Huerta helped create the National Farm Workers Association. She helped pass the first law, “Aid For Dependent Families” (AFDC) and disability insurance for California farm workers.
Frida Kahlo: Mexican
1907–1954
"I never paint dreams or nightmares. I paint my own reality."
This Mexican artist survived childhood polio and later a bus accident that led to seven operations. She spent most of her life in pain. She painted to relieve her pain. Frida painted her injuries and disabilities. She is one of my favorite artists. Her paintings are vivid, raw, and expressive.
Maya Lin American
1960-
"We were unusually brought up; there was no gender differentiation. I was never thought of as any less than my brother."
Maya designed two American monuments — The Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, Alabama, and The Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., The Vietnam Memorial is beautiful and compelling. When I visited this monument, I felt the need to touch the names to remember those that “gave all.”
Lin is also someone I admire because she uses recycled, living, or natural materials and focuses on sustainable and site-sensitive design solutions. She is an architect and sculptor.
Ellen Ochoa
1958
"Being an astronaut is a wonderful career. I feel very privileged. But what I really hope for young people is that they find a career they're passionate about, something that's challenging and worthwhile."
As an American astronaut, author, and first Hispanic director of the Johnson Space Center, Ochoa flew her first shuttle mission in 1993 as a Mission Specialist with the Discovery crew. She has logged over 500 hours in space.
Sarah Sjöström Sweden
1993
"The Olympics will be a race in itself but I'm pleased with the journey so far."
Sarah holds the world-record in the 50-metre freestyle, 100-metre freestyle, 200-metre freestyle, and 100-metre butterfly. Sarah is the first Swedish woman to win Olympic gold in swimming – and she is not yet 25!
Margaret Thatcher
1925
"Any woman who understands the problems of running a home will be nearer to understanding the problems of running a country."
England’s first woman prime minister and the first to govern a western democracy. She looked for people to be less dependent on the government and be more self-sufficient. Her policies were tough and controversial. She raised “indirect” taxes due to a deteriorating economy.
Mariama Ba
(1929-1981)
“To educate, campaign and write in order to raise women’s awareness and promote their rights.”
Mariama was born in Dakar in 1929. She attended the French school upon the determination of her father. Her first novel, So Long a Letter, condemned polygamy, and the caste-system in Senegal.
All these women were pioneers in their field of choice. They were bold, educated, hard-working and unrelenting. They didn't back down when an opportunity presented itself. Whether it was to protest, build, explore or nurture. These women took life on and made it their own!
What will be your history? What will history write about you?
SK Out! Have a great week! Be Happy!
