*This editorial originally was printed in the Monday March 7 edition of The Daily Eastern News

With the month of March in full swing, it is time once again to celebrate Women’s History and Awareness Month.

This month provides people of all genders in the Eastern community with the opportunity to learn about and appreciate women’s unique struggles they have faced over the years.

Every year, a committee in the women’s studies program works to put on a combination of events related to a significant theme.

For the 33rd annual Women’s History and Awareness Month celebrated at Eastern, the theme to be explored is gender and politics.

According to an article in the March 2 issue of The Daily Eastern News, Melinda Mueller, a political science professor, said the committee wanted to focus on gender and politics because 2016 is an election year. Mueller also said in the article that women are often scrutinized in politics for what they say or wear to a different standard than men. Regardless of gender, how the political system functions affects everyone, as do the issues faced by women.

Therefore, everyone should take the time in March to think critically about how women are treated in society, especially as they begin to take on more prominent leadership roles.

One forum last week compared the way presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was viewed in the 2008 race compared to now.

Whether or not individuals agree with Clinton’s politics, it is important to take note of the gender discussions surrounding the presidency. Being a woman is not stopping Clinton from being taken seriously as a candidate, and her image has more power behind it this time around as people can begin to visualize a woman in the White House.

That is a huge step for American history whether or not Clinton herself becomes president.

Those who are unable to attend planned events should still take some time to educate themselves on important female political figures.

Many people do not particularly care to learn about history because they do not see the relevance to their own lives.

Any history teacher can argue against that, but consider that plenty of modern-day women are having huge influences in society.

For instance, two women are on the ballot in Illinois for U.S. Senator, Democratic candidates Andrea Zopp and Tammy Duckworth.

Former first lady Nancy Reagan, who died Sunday, contributed to a legacy of presidents’ wives who became involved in social issues during their time in the White House. Reagan was mostly known for starting anti-drug campaigns, while current first lady Michelle Obama is more known for healthy lunch initiatives in schools.

However, just because women are taking more power in society does not mean the struggle for equality is over.
Women’s history is important every month for that reason, and dedicating March to the cause is one more way of ensuring women’s stories are told.

The daily editorial is the majority opinion of the editorial board of The Daily Eastern News