“If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place.” Margaret Mead

Motivation Mondays: Women’s History Month – Collage of US First Ladies & Other Women of Note
Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” Womens History Month.Gov
What does Women’s History Month mean to You? When I was little girl, I had aspirations to travel the world and accomplish goals that were not available to women of my mother’s generation. My parents never discouraged me even though some others around me were not so enthused by the utterings of a child. When we tell all children, not just our own, by our words and actions that they are worthy and can achieve their dreams if they apply their talents to a task, we become champions of the future and of the pledge for parity. We are our children’s first engagement with the outside world, and the messages we feed our kids are very important… but we can’t limit our encouragement to our kin alone. If we work towards gender parity and encourage every child to view members of the opposite gender as equals instead of as inferior or superior, we would be planting seeds that will flourish in the years to come. There is a phenomenal woman in every female and I have chosen to share Maya Angelou’s powerful poem as part of my way to honor all women out there; known and unknown.
Phenomenal Woman By Maya Angelou via PoetryFoundation
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me. Contd Below
“We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily difference we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.” Marian Wright Edelman

Motivation Mondays: Women’s History Month – Collage of US First Ladies & Other Women of Note
National Women’s History Month 2016 Theme: “Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government” *
The National Women’s History Month theme for 2016 honors women who have shaped America’s history and its future through their public service and government leadership. Although often overlooked and undervalued, collectively they have dramatically influenced our public policy and the building of viable institutions and organizations. From championing basic human rights to ensuring access and equal opportunity for all Americans, they have led the way in establishing a stronger and more democratic country. National Women’s History Project
What Motivates Women to Act? Since 1987, the National Women’s History Project has celebrated the contributions and accomplishments of women from all walks of life by honoring a handful of women for their superlative service. Each year, they introduce a theme that serves as a guiding light to selecting and honoring women motivated to create change for our gender and, ultimately, for everyone. The theme for 2016 is: Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government, and it honors 16 women who have made a difference in the public sector. These women come from varied backgrounds but what they share is a dedication to improving the lives of females in their fields and communities. They stand up and speak out because they believe in being proactive instead of waiting for someone else to fight injustice; they feel compelled to act especially on behalf of those who can’t speak for themselves.
We can all make our mark on society but it must begin in our hearts and our homes. As an Educator, I’ve taught Women’s Studies and Literature to young, impressionable college students and encouraged them to pursue their dreams. My students were from different countries around the world and all had high hopes for a better life. I supported their aspirations because I believed, and still do, that the sky is the limit. As a mother, I’ve done the same for my kids and I trust that they will continue to follow their heart’s dream by working hard and making choices that help them get there. Am I perfect? No, but I make the best of the challenges and grace that comes my way and I believe we all can. When we discriminate against women who are not like us, we are closing the door to a tremendous opportunity for engagement and growth. As Edelman says above, even making a small difference has power because it can become the impetus for greater change. Please take a moment to visit the link above and read about the 16 women being honored this year.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me. Contd Below
“Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.” Mae Jemison

Motivation Mondays: Women’s History Month – Collage of US First Ladies & Other Women of Note
From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well. President Jimmy Carter, first Presidential Proclamation, March 8th 1980 declared National Women’s History Week/ National Women’s History Museum
Does Women’s History matter? Of course it does. You might wonder why I ask … I do so because some of us don’t understand or agree that it’s important. Women’s history month matters because it reminds us to take a closer look at our journey and collective history, and to consider where more work is needed. We celebrate to honor all those unsung women who fought for women’s rights globally, to encourage those women who continue to fearlessly made a difference, and to bring attention to issues/areas where women remain marginalized; such as wage parity, access to education and economic opportunities globally. Women’s history matters because it is a reminder to share our experiences with our daughters, sisters and everyone. So, let me reassure you that celebrating the accomplishments of our gender is NOT a negation of the accomplishments of the opposite gender.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month in our homes and communities, let us not forget to pause for a moment and consider the bravery and determination of all those women, activists, mothers, sisters, leaders and teachers, who paved the path before us. For every woman who gets to choose a career path that was once dominated by men, there were pioneers who opened those doors, sometimes at great cost to their relationships and lives. As women, we can encourage each other to live our best lives by opening our doors, our hearts, and our minds to the power of our community. We can make a difference by mentoring other women and by respecting our differences. When we start to applaud the humanity that resides in every woman, and step away from petty conflicts and exaggerated slights, we will achieve much more.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me. Contd Below
The details for Motivation Mondays are below. Join in! The themes for February and March 2016 are:
02/01 – VALENTINE’S DAY–
02/08 – CHINESE NEW YEAR –
02/15 – PRESIDENTS DAY – third Monday of month –
02/22 – PAIN –
02/29 – LEAP YEAR –
03/07 – 8 International Women’s Day – 3/1-31, Women’s History Month
03/14 – 13 Daylight Savings Begins at 2:00 a.m., 15, Ides of March, 17, St. Patrick’s Day, –
03/21 – 19 International Earth Hour – 20 International Day Of Happiness, Palm Sunday, Spring (Vernal) Equinox, –
03/28 – 23 Purim begins at sundown Yin and Yang, 25 Good Friday, 27 Easter Sunday
Are You Looking for Ways to Stay Creative in 2016?

– Join the Daily Post Post-a-day or Post-a-week Challenge.
— Join the BlogHer Writing Lab
More Below!
“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.” Michelle Obama, First Lady

Motivation Mondays: Women’s History Month – Collage of US First Ladies & Other Women of Note
Throughout history, women have driven humanity forward on the path to a more equal and just society, contributing in innumerable ways to our character and progress as a people … This May, the White House will host a summit on “The United State of Women,” to highlight the advances we have made in the United States and across the globe and to expand our efforts on helping women confront the challenges they face and reach for their highest aspirations. We must strive to build the future we want our children to inherit — one in which their dreams are not deferred or denied, but where they are uplifted and praised. We have come far, but there is still far to go in shattering the glass ceiling that holds women back. This month, as we reflect on the marks made by women throughout history, let us uphold the responsibility that falls on all of us — regardless of gender — and fight for equal opportunity for our daughters as well as our sons. Excerpt from Pres Obama, Presidential Proclamation — Women’s History Month, 2016
We celebrate Women’s History Month because we can’t afford to forget the struggle for women’s rights. To forget our collective history would mean to forget the key point of our struggle for gender equity, the right to vote, and the right to an array of freedoms that are still not available to all women globally. We celebrate our history for so many reasons but, we can start by thanking the phenomenal women who matter in our lives. Go do it!
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need for my care.
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me. (Maya Angelou 1928–2014)
For More: Women’s Lives & Issues
“Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is!” Anne Frank
Source: Zen Antics All stories via Goodweb.cn

Positive Motivation Tip: We have Women’s History Month for many reasons; start by thanking the phenomenal women who matter in your life.
Motivation Mondays is open to anyone who wishes to share a motivational quote, photo, personal challenge or a post that encourages others to start the week on an upbeat note.
Basic Instructions: Each week, I will have a motivation word to help us create a response. (See listed words for the months above/below)
Email address: You may email or share your post as a comment and I will add it to the round-up of related posts. email it to: contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)com
Category tag: – Share your post using Motivation Mondays
Twitter hashtag: – Use this on Twitter #MotvnM
Dedicated Page: There is a dedicated page for Motivation Mondays. It has the same instructions and will include other helpful tools and a link to the round-up
Facebook Page: MotivationOnMondays Join our page and add your post and/or any motivational piece you think will be helpful to others.
Facebook Community: We have a Facebook community forum to compliment the page. It serves as another way to share uplifting posts and thoughts. Please join in and add your voice.
Badge: – I created a fun badge using PicMonkey’s free photo editing tools. You can create your own, use WordPress’ integrated tool on your blog or you are welcome to use mine. (see dedicated page)
Tag: – Motivation Mondays
Hashtag: – #MotvnM
Related Posts
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: Stories via Zen Stories on Goodweb.cn Quotes via BrainyQuotes, All Photos: Women’s History Month via Lib of Congress, Library of Congress on Flickr, Smithsonian on Flickr, Struggle for Women’s Suffrage, First Ladies Portraits, First Lady Michelle Obama, & Other Female portraits via Wikipedia
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
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There are so many wonderful and amazing women. They are all inspirational!
This post can truly empower women even more. Love it.
I love the poem. Women’s History Month is definitely important. It’s a great reminder of all of the women who cared enough to fight for change.
Its awesome to see how far we’ve come in today’s world. Everyone should be treated equally regardless of gender and or nationality.
With so many wonderful women to learn about through history it gives everyone a chance to find someone exciting to read about
Thank you to the women who have paved the way,
There is a lot of amazing women before us.Thank for the interesting article.
Brilliant and so inspiring. Thanks for the reminder and the wonderful quotes!
I like that these women have a month. Maybe now kids in school will learn about them in history class.
I have always been fascinated by women in history – especially the ones that fostered change and shaped the lives we as women are able to live today. I look forward to celebrating them through the month and the rest of the year.
I’m happy to know that the first Presidential proclamation of former US President Jimmy Carter is on women. It’s good that we recognize women who made a mark in history. Happy Women’s Month!
It is also important to remember those who have worked so hard to achieve their dreams!
I absolutely LOVE this! I loved all the different quotes. You are a wonderful writer!
I had no idea it was Women’s History Month. I think they should include something about this in school so the kids learn more about important women,
-Jessica
I had no idea it was womens history month, I’m going to use these resources in our homeschool lessons! Thanks!
What a great way to remind people about women’s history month!
Maybe I was just blind to it last year but I love all the support and attention Women’s History month and International women’s day got this year, Great post.
Like Shonda Rhimes used to say… You can waste your lives drawing lines. Or you can live your life crossing them.” . Im so proud of being a woman.
Great post! We’ve come a long way and it is good to remember these women and our history!
Thank goodness for all the brave, outspoken women who have had the courage to stand up and lead the way for us!
Thanks for posting the poem, it’s a real favourite!
exactly we cannot forget the women who fought for our rights. i am taking great interest in politics because i care about my right to vote which so many women fought for
There are so many women in the past who really inspire and motivate present women to do good and be part of the history.
Women empowerment is rising all around the world. This is a very inspiring post.
I remember studying Maya Angelou at A-Level she was a fantastic poet and her biographies were good too.
I’m glad that women have become more empowered as the years go by. I can not imagine living in a world where women can not drive, vote, stand up for themselves, and speak what’s on their mind. It would be too suffocating for me!
Hoping USA would get its first woman president soon…
Such a great motivational post to celebrate Women’s History Month!! Loved it!!
Good you shared about this, Never heard this before, thank you!
A very important month for women all the world Woman have sacrificed a lot over the years
In this day and age, it is hard to believe that their is still sexism. Having a women’s history month is a reminder and encouragement to women and girls that they do have a voice in the shaping of history.
This is awesome. I need to share this with my teenage daughter. Remind her of the power of women. Thank you!
It’s amazing that we get to remember and honor important women in our history! We have made so many breakthroughs, and deserve the attention!
What a great reminder! I am always telling my niece about influential women of history and encouraging her to go after her dreams. I need to remind her about Women’s History Month.
nice to know things about women history tonight! thanks for sharing! As A woman, I always make sure that I can indeed do things how man do their own things as well and work as equal
I’m definitely going to take some time out this month and learn more about women in history!
These are all amazing women who made history! I can’t help admiring their talent! Thanks for sharing such an amazing post!
It’s great to celebrate all the amazing women who have lead the way. They are such great role models.
Absolutely love that poem by Maya Angelou. It’s beautiful and empowering!
Great article!
Women have so many advantages today compared to a few years ago. I’m super thankful. 🙂
Thank you for all of the wonderful motivation! There have definitely been some amazing women blazing the trail for us 🙂
As a kid, I loved finding and reading books about significant women in history. I still remember the significance of a memoir by Winny Mandela that I read in 4th grade about 20 years ago. Let’s keep the torch passing and inspire more women to greatness!
It is important to remember that even little things can make a big difference.
I love hearing about inspirational women because not so long ago we didn’t have the rights we do today and we should be reaching goals and driving to succeed due to so many before us fighting for us to be able to do all we can
There are so many inspirational women whom I respect, especially the ones who lead the way for voters rights for women.
wow, how interesting! It’s really good to know our history. So much to learn! Thanks for sharing.
Yup a worth month to remember and celebrate. We have come this far to fight for our right and equality.
I completely agree with you that we can all make a difference – and we need to remember to teach our children that they can as well!
So glad to know women history, women are brave enough and strong.
Women’s History is so important to me not only because I can commemorate the amazing deeds of these women that paved the way for more rights for women today. But also I can continue to be inspired by their lives.
Oprah says “Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create.” . So …never hold back, we can always push ahead!
I am thankful to be living in todays world, where women are far more appreciated, but we still have a LONG way to go!
I knew nothing about Women’s Histor Month. There are many great women to celebrate.
It is so important to look back at the great women in our history and learn from them! We are more powerful and have more potential than we ever thought possible!!
Maya was such an amazing woman and a major feminist force. I’m glad to see so much women’s history of late. We really have an interesting timeline!
Carol
WHM is a reminder that we still have more work to do. I enjoy celebrating.
I love to read about women who influenced the world in a positive way! Love the photos of all these outstanding gals!
There are so many women to be recognized. It’s great that we have a month to celebrate them.
My parents, thankfully, never put it in my mind that I could or could not do anything BECAUSE I was a girl. it was always – just get up and get it done – whatever it is that you want.
YAY for Women’s History Month! Women have done many amazing and wonderful things throughout the years!!
Very powerful post left me speechless!
Women history is amazing! We have accomplish so much! Never get tired of hear this. But we have much more to do. In other cultures they think we are “less” than man. We have to change it
Great post! We’ve come a long way and it is good to remember these women and our history!
It is great to celebrate women in history month.
so many incredible women that have done so much and have made history thanks for sharing
I hope that one day I can be one of those woman of worth. I really hope that for myself and my family.
Women for years continue to make history unfortunately we are less recognize by the male dominant counterpart. But I believe things are slowly changing for the better. We can’t forget the struggles is so true thanks for reminding us.
Women’s history is so important. Without women this world would be far from what it is now. I really think more should be taught about women’s history in school.
Belated Happy International Women’s Day! It’s amazing how far women have come today. I believe that empowered women empowers other women. It’s no competition and we are all in this together!
Women’s History Month started to recognize the importance of women. They are now treated with equality and respect.
This is such an important month! I wonder why we never learned about it in school…well at least the schools I went to. What a shame. I will certainly start celebrating it every year in some way. Thank you for sharing.
Never forget the struggle. You’d think that in 2015, gender equality would be much better compared to years ago, but the strength of gender roles are still strong today. Which is why, we should all start, as individuals, to make Women’s lives matter
Learning about these women facts and history is I bet amazing.
Go women empowerment! I am happy women nowadays are given more credit for what they do in the society.
The theme of the National Women’s History Month sounds really inspiring & it could be a great motivation to read about those 16 women who are being honored this year. I very much agree that everyone of us can make a huge difference by mentoring other women and by respecting our differences what so ever.
Thanks for sharing about all these great women! It is important to honor the women who came before us!
Yes, let’s not forget what women has done in our community. Kudos to the women!!!
Lots have happened to women since then… we are very fortunate that somehow, we have the freedom to express and be empowered. Not every woman is fortunate, especially those in the Middle Eastern countries.
This is wonderful. In college I was a part of an organization that hosted a women’s history month the entire month of march. Since graduation, it doesn’t seem that many people do anything special to honor women during this month.
Perfect timing for some mid-week motivation. I appreciate you writing this. Sharing it to my groups as well.
We really do have to give credit to these great women who fought for our rights! As a woman we should know what they did to fight for our place in the society. I am a mother of 2 boys and I will definitely teach them nothing but respect for all women.
Women are such a phenomenal persons. We can change the world in so many ways because that is just how we are made up…innovative, persistent, and just downright fabulous!
I am so proud of the women before my generation who stood up for our rights and made their mark in history. I’m most proud of my mom who has been our safe-keeper since forever. She’s the most courageous person I know.
What a great list of women being honored! I love to hear other inspiring stories of women who accomplished such great things.
What is more motivational that seeing such amazing woman accomplish so much! This is a great post to share with my daughter and her friends. <3
I have always been inspired by Susan B. Anthony – and that’s especially poignant right now. She fought so hard to win women the right to vote, facing jail, ridicule, and physical attacks.
These are all great women that made history! I admire them! Enjoy reading your post!
Amazing month to celebrate!
What an amazing post, I love Maya’s poem so beautiful. I believe in making small differences not only aiming for big differences for small changes add up to big changes. IT’s important to teach the current generation the beauty in respecting and appreciating the opposite sex.
I think Women’s History is so important. I went to a women’s college and minored in women’s studies. I’ve been raising my girls to learn to take care of themselves and that they can choose to be anything they want to be.
I am always happy to see that women get (a) a whole month of appreciation. (b) There are so many inspirational and motivating women out there.
I didn’t actually realise that there was a whole month dedicated to women’s history. Its great! Women have certainly been through a lot over the years
We have go through so many struggles. Im so glad to see how much we have achieve
Happy Women’s History month. I’m so proud with this women they have done great in their lives that they worth remembering for.
This is great. There are so many powerful women out there in the world that need to be honored.
What a great post. Women’s History Month has so many woman who dedicated themselves in so many ways.
There are so many phenomenal women to draw on from history. Thank goodness so many made it to public record.
There is nothing as great as taking out time to remember and celebrate the women who have made their mark in history. As trying to make that big change (or take on the world) might seem daunting, we all can help to make this world a better place for women and men alike by giving a helping hand here and there not only during the women’s history month but all year round. Thanks for this long but worthwhile piece 🙂
Someone ask me once if I will want to be a woman in my next life, to me, yes, I will still want to be. Because I believe there are still many things that a woman can do to change the world
Definitely Women have a great impact on our history and I have read so much it in even Indian history, so if we will consider the entire world we will have many of them.
Women need to be celebrated. All the past achievements of women will give our young girls inspiration for their futures.
I had no idea about Women History month before. Glad that now I know. Am proud to be a woman and it is important that we celebrate womanhood in each and every way.
We can all make our mark on society but it must begin in our hearts and our homes. – – – Yes, we can! It doesn’t have to be so grand as long as it comes from the heart!
It sort of makes me sad that we have to have an occasion to celebrate women. Everyday should be a demonstration of how much we equally value both genders.
If Hilary get elected as President, it would be the first time First lady became a President.
Happy Women History month! We have been blessed with so many wonderful and exceptional women. Phenomenal Woman By Maya Angelou is one of my favorite poems.
So many awesome women in history! I love Women’s History month. So much inspiration!
I love your opening statement. I think it’s really important that we recognize that anyone and everyone has potential and can be great. For now, it’s important that we empower the modern day women. 🙂 Such a refreshing read. Thank you!
Every woman is phenomenal in her own right. I’m glad I live in an age where women are given opportunities to make a name for themselves.
Such an inspirational and empowering post!
It’s so nice to know more about women during women’s history month. It’s one way to give tribute to all our hardwork and struggles.
Lovely post, Elizabeth. Good to know about Women’s Month! Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it George!
Awesome post focused very important history.
As a Mom of two daughters, I love teaching them about strong women in our history. What a great post for adding to that discussion. Thank you for sharing.
here in the PH, most people are into gender equality, unlike other countries where women are taken of less regard and aren’t allowed to do things that men do, etc. Those countries really need to change their cultures already. 😀
here in the PH, most people are into gender equality, unlike other countries where women are taken of less regard and aren’t allowed to do things that men do, etc. Those countries really need to change their cultures already. 😀
Nice post to pay tribute to all women on Women’s Month. We are women you are bound to make a change, to make the world a better place.
Nice post, a tribute to women on Women’s Day.
Nice post, a tribute to women on Women’s Month. We women are also bound to make difference, and make the world a better place.
Still recent, 1981. But the impt thing is we have to celebrate it every year. Now women are equal to men
This is a great tribute to all the women especially to those who created a mark in the history of the world. I am also dreaming of leaving a mark or at least creating a difference someday.
A lot of women worked hard to pave the way to a better life we are experiencing now. Still, there are still a lot to be done to make a better world for the women forthe future generation. -katrina centeno
These women are so great that they made such history. They inspire the women of today.
Does women’s history month differ from women’s month? Never heard WHM celebrated here in our country. Anyway Happy WHM to all womens in the world 🙂
This is such a great post and wonderful tribute to all the women made great remarks all over the world. Truly remarkable!
This is an eye opener and an inspiration to be the best woman you can be.
Yes and we all are…
I love this post! Women truly are remarkable, and I’m so proud every day to be just one person in a whole population of women who have fought for equality and justice.
I work at a high school and we were trying to name all the women in the collage in the bottom left hand corner, but I can’t find a couple of them. Can you supply who they are?