From doctors and mothers to entrepreneurs and athletes: the roles a woman can fill are endless. 

Every March, Women’s History Month is commemorated as a time where we remember and celebrate all the trailblazing women in our society who have made an impact in the world, despite the challenges they may have faced. 

Moreover, we recognize the women role models in all of our personal lives who have touched us and helped us to grow into young women. 

As a foundational all-girls school, this month is especially important because it reminds us that we, too, can reach for our goals, break the glass ceiling, and make our mark in the community. 

An ongoing progress

According to UN Women, since the 19th century, women have come a long way in attaining rights and equality to men. 

In many traditional societies, women were viewed as inferior and weaker than men, having no say in their own lives, bodies, or marriages. 

A girl was often confined to the role of having children, a husband, and being a homemaker for her family. 

It wasn’t until the turn of the 19th century in the United States that women began to fight for equality and the freedom to have their own independence and voice. 

After a long fight, women finally won suffrage and gained the right to vote in 1920, and have since continued an ongoing fight for workplace equality, reproductive rights, and educational opportunities. 

Women’s History Month was officially recognized in 1987 by Congress to honor all that women have contributed to the growth and development of society. 

The celebration of the month is essential to remembering all the powerful women who came before us and fought for the opportunities we as women have today. 

 Diverse role models 

As a way to better understand how the role of women has impacted the lives of the Loretto student body, a survey was sent on the Loretto Prax Instagram asking students who their women role models were. 

Mothers, grandmas, athletes, and historical figures: the responses were full of women from all walks of life. 

One student said, “My mom is my female role model because of how hardworking and strong she is.” 

Out of all the responses, the overwhelming majority of answers stated that their mothers were their role models. 

A foundation of strength 

Loretto Academy was built by the sisters of Loretto with a foundation of strength, unity, and love. 

Since its beginning, Loretto has always been a place where women are empowered, embraced, and taught to always strive for their goals. 

This Women’s History Month, we reflect on how the women role models in our lives have shaped us as individuals with the virtues of confidence, grace, and strength. 

They have shown that we as women can persevere and fight for the future we want for ourselves, no matter what that may be!