Hey girls! March is the month Girl Power! and the rest of the United States celebrates women in history. In 1981, the U.S. Government decided to recognize women in history; in fact, former Rep. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) named the week of March 8 as National Women's History Week. By 1986, the celebration grew to cover the entire month of March. Today, schools and communities celebrate the month with special events. Many States and cities have extended the observance year-round by creating Women's Halls of Fame.

Being aware of women in history is important beyond that fact that we are told to learn this in school. We should learn about the accomplishments of women and the impact women have had on the United States. We can walk through the pathways of history and see how the efforts of women shaped our society and provided us with powerful women role models. When we know the achievements of women in history, we expand the sense of what is possible for us.

Remembering women in history is pretty easy to do. You learn about lots of famous women in school. This month, you can also think of other women who are close to you. Consider some of the not-so-famous women who impact your life every day. Do you know which women we are talking about? Yes, you guessed it; we are talking about your mom, your grandmother, your aunts, and female teachers. Remember your women doctors and dentists, your Girl Scout leaders, or leaders of your community. All of these women, who influence and guide you, are important because they are teaching you to be the leaders of the future.

Women's History Month is a time to review how far women have come in their struggle for equality, peace, and progress. It is a time to remember the famous and the not so famous. The struggle for women's recognition continues, so pay attention to the women in your life! Thanks for celebrating with Girl Power!

Girl Power! will celebrate Women's History Month in a series that takes a look at some of the exciting "firsts" women have done in history.

Read the first part of the series here.

Now take a quiz to test your women's history knowledge.