Woman’s History Month events focus on history, strength Published March 4, 2011 MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The 2011 theme for Women's History Month is "Our History Is Our Strength." According to the National Women's History Project, this theme was chosen to pay tribute to the millions of women who have taken action to help create a better world for the times in which they lived, as well as for future generations. To celebrate such momentous occasions and to observe Women's History Month, Maxwell has teamed up with the Federal Women's Program Committee for the first time. Activities planned for the month of March include a lunch and learn on stress management presented by the health and wellness center's Wanda Myrick from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Maxwell Event Center. At 3 p.m. Saturday, the book club at the Gunter Community will discuss "Their Eyes Are Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston. A Women's History Month Luncheon will feature guest speaker Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 21 at the Maxwell Officers' Club ballroom. Tickets are $16 per person. For more information, contact Carla Martin, 42ndnd Air Base Wing Protocol, at 953-4220. Although the presidential proclamation for 2011 has not yet been posted, Woman's history month is celebrated nationwide during the month of March, paying homage to the struggles and victories that enterprising women have contributed to our nation's history. Throughout history, women have left a remarkable imprint in America, fighting for equal rights and better opportunities in all facets of life. Looking to the past, women were not allowed to vote, attend higher learning educations centers or maintain outside employment. That would have to change. Notable contributions and pioneers include abolitionists such as Harriet Tubman and Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, who made the first major appeal for women's rights led to the 19thth Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote. Other notable victories, closer to home, are the roles women have played in major conflicts, including taking on factory work during World War I and military services through the Women's Army Corps and Women's Air Force Service Pilots during World War II. Such historical efforts opened a multitude of doors for women in the military. This year, many of the initiatives such as International Women's Day and the Women's Right to Vote in California, will celebrate 100 years of progress. Article courtesy of the 42nd Air Base Wing Women's History Month Publicity Committee