March 1 kicked off National Women’s History Month, a month that is being recognized across the country and right here in Arizona.
The 2018 theme for the month is “Nevertheless, She Persisted: Honoring Women Who Fight All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.”
Myra Pollack Sadker said, “each time a girl opens a book and reads a womanless history, she learns she is worth less.”
Recognizing the achievements of women in all facets of life – science, community, government, literature, art, sports, medicine – has a huge impact on the development of self-respect and new opportunities for girls and young women.
Here's a look at some of the most influential women in Arizona history:
1. Jan Cleere
The award-winning author, historian, and lecturer, is an honors graduate from Arizona State University. She writes extensively about the people who first settled in the desert southwest.
2. Sandra Day O'Connor
The retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice was honored as one of the first Living Legacies in 2015. Justice O'Connor was also the first female in the Arizona State Senate to serve a majority leader anywhere in the country.
3. Annie Dodge Wauneka
An advocate for many issues on the Navajo Reservation, healthcare was one of her main concerns, including the eradication of tuberculosis. She was awarded the U.S. Medal of Freedom by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964.
4. Sister Kathleen Clark
She started the first child crisis nursery in the U.S., Casa de los Niños, in Tucson. She is recognized as a pioneer in the efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect.
5. Rose Mofford
The first female governor in Arizona history, Mofford was a lifelong Arizonan who opened doors for many women to follow her.She served over 50 years in different government positions, including becoming the first female secretary of state.
You can learn more about these women and other great voices at the Arizona Women’s Hall of Fame.
The exhibit is located at the Arizona Capitol Museum at 1700 W. Washington Street in Phoenix. AZCM is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission and parking are free.
“In our first election as a state, men voted women the right to vote,” said Secretary of State Michele Reagan, whose office oversees the museum. “Our state has a history of recognizing women and their contributions to our communities and way of life. We are honored to bring these women’s stories to the Arizona Capitol Museum.”
To view the 15 women being honored this year and read more about Women's History Month you can visit nwhp.org or womenshistorymonth.gov.
For more information about the Arizona Capitol Museum exhibits, or to schedule a tour, visit AZCM's website or call 602-926-3620.
To learn more about the Arizona Women's Hall of Fame, visit AzWFH's website.
Additional events celebrating Women's History Month:
Scottsdale Public Library
The Scottsdale Public Library is hosting a Women’s History Month Series to highlight women in Arizona through lectures and film.
Marietta Bryant and Daisy Moore are two African-American women who stood up for the rights of all qualified educators to teach in Arizona’s desegregated schools.
Luz Delgadillo Moore will be featured in a film “Women on the Mother Road in Arizona: Route 66” for being the only girl in a family band that toured along Route 66.
Also, Mexican American women were the symbols of the American Dream of education, progress, and success of Arizona’s Mexican immigration families.
The University of Arizona
The University of Arizona's Women’s Resource Center has a number of upcoming events. Their Censored Series this month will discuss all things related to abortion and reproductive rights.
In addition, one of their largest events of the year, Take Back the Night – a survivor-centered march against sexual, relationship, and domestic violence – will take place on April 19 at 5 p.m.
