March is Women’s History Month. 
Why should anyone care? Most of the time only very “mainstream” history is taught in school. People only learn about George Washington and the cherry tree or the outcome of major wars. 
Over the years, many of my friends have come to me saying, “Oh my God! Did you know about…” 
So many things surprise them that I thought were common knowledge. Women’s History Month provides a good opportunity for women and men to learn about not only the achievements of women, but their relationship to the rest of society and how they fit in. 
Drawing attention to subject matter that is usually ignored or treated with disdain and called unimportant is worthwhile.
Women do not usually see themselves represented in history classes. They are not usually military leaders or powerful politicians. If a woman is mentioned, it is usually as being the wife or daughter of some important man. 
Women’s History Month focuses attention on areas of history that are often overlooked. It gives women and, especially, young girls positive role models. By shining a light on the contributions that women have made, it lets girls dream. If she can do it, so can I.
In addition to being inspirational for women, Women’s History Month teaches us about things that everyone should know. 
Women like Burmese politician Suu Kyi who won the Nobel Prize and was later imprisoned for 15 years, Marie Stopes, George Sand and Dorothea Lange are just a very few of the interesting women whose stories everyone would benefit from knowing. 
Black History Month has successfully shined a spotlight on many of the contributions of African Americans. It is also very important to learn about women. 
Women comprise more than half of the world’s population. There are women of every race and religion. It would be unthinkable to ignore them.

Bonnie Oviatt is a Tower staff writer. E-mail her at bonnie_oviatt(at)yahoo.com.