Message from Deputy Mayor Ellen Zimmerman | March 24, 2023

This month, we once again seize the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the amazing contributions of women across our nation as part of Women’s History Month.

American history tells of generations of women who have been erased and excluded, especially women of color and members of the LGBTQ+ communities. These are all painful, but important, stories to tell – a gauge of where we were and where we are heading.

Women’s History Month’s influence has steadily expanded over the years, approaching this annual celebration in 2023 with more intersectionality and intention that brings all women into a global sorority of support.

I see this month as the ideal moment to celebrate and rejoice the accomplishments of women, as well as our shared humanity. It is also a critical time in which we need to address ongoing injustice around the world, where countless women in oppressive and/or developing countries do not enjoy the basic rights that we quickly take for granted in our community.

Many would be surprised to learn that Women’s History Month has been marked for generations, with the earliest recognition taking place in 1857, following protests from female employees in NYC sweat shops. The first “Woman’s Day” celebration would not happen for nearly another half-century, beginning in 1909, and lasting an entire week in Santa Rosa, CA.

Then it took another 70 years, before President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8 as “National Women’s History Week.” The celebration was extended to the entire month in 1987, courtesy of Congress.

“Women are key agents of the changes we need. Women are excluded from leadership in religion, in family and community decision-making, and in legislatures and other political offices. When half of the world’s population is not consulted on important decisions and policies, it is no wonder that so many problems persist.”

— Jimmy Carter

There are now plenty of ways to mark Women’s History Month, from something as simple as catching a powerful documentary on Netflix, listening to podcasts in the car about truly inspirational women or reading one of the many books written about female heroes in American history.

Opportunities to celebrate and support women are plentiful in Scotch Plains.

For example, there are a strong and growing number of women-owned businesses in our downtown, underscoring a trend of more women than ever who are becoming entrepreneurs. In fact, the World Economic Forum noted that 49% of all new businesses in the U.S. in 2021 were launched by women, up 28% from 2019.  So, check out our downtown, show your support and maybe pick up a gift card or two.

Another great way to support women is by donating to some tremendous charities that support women and girls. There are the Girl Scouts and their delicious cookies, of course. And there are also plenty of organizations that empower young girls in STEM, fund women’s health clinics or support important causes, like “Girls Who Code,” the Malala Fund and the National Women’s Law Center.

While women continue to make great strides in our community, Women’s History Month also highlights that we still have not reached full parity with men. There is still income inequality throughout our economy and ongoing struggles for respect and recognition in the workplace.

Women need a larger, collective voice. I urge you to register to vote, to consider supporting female candidates for office who share your views, to attend government meetings, to lend your voice to highlight injustice and to demand the change that is needed to make our world a better place for women to live and thrive.

The effort can begin with Women’s History Month, but the commitment needs to be all year long.