The way we see it? Every month should be a celebration of women’s history. But this month, we have a beautiful opportunity to officially recognize it. To use this time to honor the extraordinary contributions women have made in shaping our world.
And there's something uniquely compelling about March being the month when International Women’s Day falls. It’s of course the time when the promise of spring is finally here. As the days grow longer and nature stirs to life a bit more, we’re reminded of the gentle strength and transformative energy of women. This is a perfect time to celebrate not only the monumental achievements women have made throughout history, but also the everyday contributions and nurturing love that moms bring into the world.
The Evolution of Motherhood
We obviously cannot capture every incredible milestone women have made, even in the last 100 years, but here are some amazing snapshots that might surprise you—or remind you of just how much growth has happened.
1920s:
- Milestone: The 19th Amendment gives women the right to vote in the U.S.
- Snapshot: Voting rights sparked new possibilities, leading some women to dip into the workforce. This shift planted the seeds for modern motherhood, challenging traditional roles.
1930s:
- Milestone: During the Great Depression, moms became masters of resourcefulness, managing households on tight budgets.
- Snapshot: The resilience of moms truly shone through during tough times—think: diluting that precious morning cup of coffee to make it last and stretching a small bag of flour into multiple meals. These everyday acts kept the family going.
1940s:
- Milestone: World War II brings “Rosie the Riveter” into the spotlight as countless women step into the workforce.
- Snapshot: This era redefined motherhood—proving that nurturing love and strength can coexist, even in challenging times.
1950s:
- Milestone: Post-war America idealizes the suburban housewife, yet the groundwork was laid for future challenges to traditional roles.
- Snapshot: When the suburban housewife ideal was all the rage, early conversations about work-life balance started (yep, and still are happening today). Some moms were heading into the workforce while others were keeping the home running. Either way, moms were finally getting some recognition for all that they did.
1960s & 1970s:
- Milestone: The feminist movement gains momentum, with icons like Gloria Steinem, Angela Davis, Audre Lorde challenging outdated norms.
- Snapshot: While many moms might have always dreamed of pursuing careers and passions alongside motherhood, the feminist movement helped clear away some of the doubts.
1980s & 1990s:
- Milestone: Dual-income households become the norm and discussions about how to juggle career and family enter the mainstream.
- Snapshot: Support networks begin to grow, and early conversations about self-care and mental health for moms take root.
2000s to Present:
- Milestone: Technology and social media have changed how moms share their stories. The modern era sparked conversations about work-life balance, mental health, and inclusivity.
- Snapshot: This shift has empowered moms to embrace every aspect of their journey and connect with one another like never before.
The Everyday Mom Magic
Every mom is a superhero, even if her cape is invisible. From baby wearing your weeks-old newborn while cutting up waffles just the way your toddler likes them, to early-morning school runs and putting on the finishing touches on your makeup in the drop-off lane, to snuggling up for bedtime stories and catching a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and recognizing who you see a bit more each night before bed, you’re shaping your family, uplifting your community, and nurturing future leaders. These everyday acts of love and resilience might not always make the headlines, but they’re the quiet superpowers that make history every single day.
The Impact of Unseen Work
Every day, and for centuries, women have been managing a never ending list of tasks that often go unnoticed. Here’s a little reminder of just some of the ways you keep everything running:
- Contact naps that soothes your baby’s nervous system
- Pumping at work during breaks
- Packing lunches with love
- Scheduling and showing up for appointments
- Folding laundry
- Always tidying up
- Juggling school runs
- Reading bedtime stories
- Coordinating family routines
- Managing household chores
- Balancing work and home life
- Carving out time for self-care
10 Ways to Celebrate Women’s History Month and Honor Yourself
For all the busy moms out there, here are 10 simple ways to celebrate Women’s History Month and honor yourself. Whatever you choose—carving out a little “me” time, connecting with other moms, or showing love to someone who inspires you, these ideas are made to fit into your busy life. Take a moment to celebrate your journey… you deserve it.
Solo Celebrations
1. Treat yourself to the gift of time: Plan an hour just for you and decide what you’re doing ahead of time so there’s no decision paralysis when that hour comes your way. Reading a book, taking a bath, a solo coffee date, or a walk with your favorite podcast or playlist all work. Arrange childcare with your partner, a family member, or swap with a mom friend, mark it on your calendar, and make it happen.
2. Write a Letter to Your Future Self: Capture your journey, hopes, and dreams. Then seal it away to revisit next year and celebrate your growth.
Celebrate with Other Moms
3. Plan a Brunch or Coffee Meetup: Drop some ideas into your group text and gather your mom tribe.
4. Plan a Group Class or Workshop: Take a yoga or art class with some friends to celebrate creativity and community.
Celebrate the Moms in Your Life
5. Pay It Forward: Drop off a meal, Venmo them money for a coffee, send a thoughtful note or text to a mom who inspires you. Keep it simple and know it will still have a big impact.
6. Offer a Break: Give a mom friend a little time for herself by watching her kids for an hour. They can catch up on sleep, enjoy a quiet coffee break, or simply relax. This small act of kindness can mean the world.
Family Celebrations
7. Share Your Family’s Story: Have your kids chat with family members about their life stories. It's a fun, relaxed way to capture memories and build a legacy of resilience that everyone can cherish.
8. Cook a Family Recipe Together: Get everyone in the kitchen and cook up a beloved family dish. Share stories about the women who made it special, and enjoy creating new memories together.
Community Celebrations
9. Visit a Local Museum or Cultural Event: Explore exhibits that celebrate women’s contributions to art, politics, or science.
10. Connect with Your Community: Check out local mom groups at places like Mothers Haven where you can share what you love about the moms in your life. It's a great way to build support and celebrate the strength of your community.
Keep Making History, Mama
Every mom is a history-maker, and even the smallest celebrations can empower you and inspire your community. Whether you're joining mom classes in Rhode Island or tapping into mothers' support in Rhode Island, your story matters, and at Mothers Haven we’re always here for you.