Yes she did!

Rosie the Riveter, with her arm raised and the quote, “We can do it!” is seen on stamps, note cards and all sorts of items to remind us of the women who had to take over many jobs on the home front during World War II. Author Molly Dillo gives a nod to that slogan in her book “Yes She Can.” This collection shares stories from young women staffers in President Obama’s administration. Both of these sayings, “Yes we can” and “Yes she can,” represent the evolution of the many roles women achieved in the 20th century. In March, we recognize the women of yesterday and today who can say, “Yes we did,” by celebrating Women’s History Month.
The recognition of women in history began in 1981 with Women’s History Week. In 1987, many realized that even more work needed to be done, and so it was decided that the entire month of March would be celebrated as Women’s History Month.
There are many stories of women in history, and it’s fitting to celebrate Women’s History Month by reading about some of the women who paved the way for all of us today. In so many cases, women had to fight for the rights that men took for granted. When these pioneers of yesteryear fought for their rights, they were also fighting for our rights today. In some cases, groups today are still fighting for these rights. The stories of these incredibly brave women can be a guiding light for us to follow.
1. “A Black Women’s History of the United States” by Daina Ramey Berry and Kali Nicole Gross
These award-winning historians celebrate the history of Black women in America, beginning with the first African women who arrived as slaves and continuing to the powerful and successful African American women of today. What a wonderful way to begin exploring Black women’s contributions to communities throughout America.
2. “The Girls Who Stepped Out of Line: Untold Stories of the Women Who Changed the Course of World War II” by Mari K. Eder
Little-known stories from World War II keep surfacing on must-read book lists, including those about women who served and fought to help win the war. This collection tells the stories of 15 women fighting both in and out of uniform without any recognition. In one, Gena Turgel was a Jewish Polish prisoner who was forced to work in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where she took care of Anne Frank. Gena survived the war and went on to educate children about the Holocaust. In another, British sisters Ida and Louise Cook sponsored refugees who would have died otherwise. The collection’s author, retired Army Maj. Gen. Mari K. Eder, said she wrote this book because the stories of these heroes needed to be told. After reading her book, I think you will agree.
3. “The Woman They Could Not Silence” by Kate Moore
This is the true story of the historic battle for women’s rights and better mental health treatments. In 1860, a middle-aged man married for 21 years to his intelligent, independent wife begins to feel insecure and threatened. He decides to “put her in her place” by committing her to an insane asylum. Once admitted, Elizabeth realizes she is in even greater danger from the head of the Illinois State Hospital, Dr. Andrew McFarland. Elizabeth soon meets many other rational women on her ward who have been labeled “crazy” in order to control their ever growing independence. When she realizes she has nothing to lose, she sets about doing something to right this horrible injustice to so many women’s human rights and their very existence.
4. “Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg” by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik
When Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away in 2020, women across the United States mourned the loss of one of our greatest feminist defenders. Loved by so many generations of women — and men too — she worked ferociously her entire life to make the world more equal for all. This tribute brings together rare photos and documents for the story of the life of “Notorious RBG” as told by those closest to her.
5. “Vanguard” by Martha S. Jones
Renowned historian Martha S. Jones expands on the history of African American women challenging racism and sexism by fighting for the right to vote. They learned how to use their political power to bring dignity and equality to all people. Starting with the earliest days of our country up to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Jones tells of the work of Black women who have not been championed like they deserve — Maria Stewart, Frances Ellen Watkins, Fannie Lou Hammer, and others. This newly revised edition adds to their stories with the election of Vice President Kamala Harris.
6. “The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times” by Michelle Obama 
In this follow-up to her memoir “Becoming,” Michelle Obama offers us heartfelt stories and reflections to help us build enduring and honest relationships, work together with others in spite of our differences, and overcome our own self-doubt. These stories are from her own life, not just as first lady but also as a mother, daughter and wife with all the challenges those relationships may entail. The principles and wisdom that she has learned can help each of us as we are “becoming” who we want to be. My favorite part is when she suggests we start with some simple guiding practices, such as “starting kind,” “going high,” and bringing together your own “kitchen table” of close and trusted friends.

There are so many ways that books help us every day. Some books are pure escape from the day-to-day challenges we face. Others can inspire and motivate us and help us see that nothing is impossible. Reading about others who did this is such a rewarding and worthwhile way to forge our own particular path.