March is Women’s History Month. The theme this year is women in science, mathematics, technology and engineering. My husband thinks he is his school historian, so here’s his take….and my additions.
It took women more than 72 years of arduous struggle to win the vote (called woman suffrage) from the Seneca Falls Convention on women’s rights, held in 1848, to the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution in 1920.
Seneca Falls Women!
Victory was never assured until the final moment, when Tennessee became the last state to ratify the amendment ~ by a single vote! In the intervening years, the drive for women’s voting rights encompassed the lives of several generations of women.
A man in Tennessee and women from all over
It appeared that the amendment might fail by one vote in the Tennessee house, but twenty-four-year-old Harry Burns surprised observers by casting the deciding vote for ratification. At the time of his vote, Burns had in his pocket a letter he had received from his mother urging him, “Don’t forget to be a good boy” and “vote for suffrage.”
Signed, Your Mother
So thank you Harry and Randy for our vote and for this blog. You are both good boys! Randy, I hope your students enjoy learning more. Keep me posted on your subjects for the class you are teaching. Very interesting!
BTW, do you or your mother excel in science, mathematics, technology or engineering? Or your daughter? Does she? Even if they have just an interest in these areas, encourage the women in your life to learn more.
My daughter Arin is taking precalculus
Arin was chosen to participate in the Career Advantage program between her high school and Des Moines Area Community College. She’s taking a precalculus course. What’s even better, she gets 5.00 CEUs of college credit, and she’s “only” a high school junior!
You go Sweetie!
And thank you Carrie Chapman Catt – one of Iowa State’s most distinguished alumni. I need to remember to thank you each time I cast a ballot. Here’s a link for more information on Mrs. Catt.
The Cat Center at ISU
For a great resource on women in history, visit the Plaza of Heroines
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My professional rehabilitation counseling practice is focused on helping people find a place in the workforce.
