Every March marks Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the progress made toward gender equality and honor the women whose contributions have shaped it. Connecting this observance with Black History Month allows us to appreciate the vital role Black communities, particularly Black women, have played in advancing women’s rights and gender equality.
Black women have consistently fought for inclusion and equal rights, bridging the gap between racial and gender justice movements. Among the many positive results of their work are those related to eradicating gender-based violence against women. Given that women’s reproductive rights and racial equality are — again and still — gravely threatened today, it’s vital to reflect on the journey so far.
Here are some key Women’s History Month facts about ways Black women have worked to end gender inequality — and why you may not have known about them.
The Roots of Women’s History Month and Black History Month
Women’s History Month grew out of International Women’s Day, which has been observed since the early 1900s. Its focus is on celebrating achievements in education, labor, and political rights. Similarly, Black History Month, founded in 1926, highlights the rich history, achievements, and ongoing struggles of Black communities. The overlap between these commemorations is not just chronological; it reflects deeply interconnected struggles against inequality.
Black Women and the Fight for Women’s Suffrage
While white women have worked to gain essential rights for over two centuries, their counterparts of color have grappled with dual racial and gender discrimination. As a result, Black women haven’t shared in all the same victories — or gained them on the same timeline — as white women. For example, although the 19th Amendment granted white women the right to vote in 1920, Black women faced systemic racism that effectively denied them access to this right for decades after.
Yet Black women were integral to the entire suffrage movement. Activists such as Mary Church Terrell and Ida B. Wells — along with many other women of color — advocated tirelessly for both racial and gender equality so Black women could participate fully in democracy.
These leaders understood that true equality required addressing the dual oppressions of racism and sexism. Their work laid the groundwork for future generations to combat discrimination, violence, and inequality at every level. Black women’s leadership in these movements continues to inspire intersectional approaches to justice today.
Black Feminism: Addressing Connected Forms of Oppression
The Black feminist movement emerged as a response to the exclusion of Black women’s experiences from both the mainstream feminist and civil rights movements. In the 1970s, organizations such as the National Black Feminist Organization brought attention to interconnected issues such as domestic violence, workplace discrimination, and inequitable health care access that disproportionately affected Black women.
This intersectional lens is now a cornerstone of modern gender equity advocacy. Today, the influence of Black feminism continues to be felt. Writers such as Kimberlé Crenshaw have expanded on intersectionality, offering a framework to understand how overlapping identities, such as race and gender, shape experiences of oppression. This perspective is essential to addressing the root causes and risk factors of domestic violence, as inequality and systemic bias perpetuate cycles of abuse.
Domestic Violence and Inequality: Why Black Women’s Advocacy Matters
The domestic violence movement owes much to Black women’s activism. From the early 20th century, Black women advocated for laws to protect women from abuse and worked to establish community-based support systems for survivors.
Rosa Parks, celebrated for her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, was also a staunch advocate for survivors of sexual violence, particularly Black women targeted by white perpetrators. Her activism highlighted the intersections of racial and gender-based violence, laying a foundation for modern anti-violence movements.
Additionally, Black women established many of the first shelters and advocacy programs for domestic violence survivors. These efforts were not limited to providing physical refuge — they also addressed economic and legal inequalities that left many women vulnerable to abuse. While mainstream feminist movements often failed to address the specific needs of Black survivors, Black women’s organizations filled the gap by creating culturally responsive services.
The Erasure of Black Women’s Contributions
Many Americans are largely unaware of Black women’s work for gender equality, and there’s a reason for this. Throughout history, their contributions to gender equality and social justice have largely gone unrecognized. From their roles in the suffrage movement to their leadership in modern activism, the work done by women of color has frequently been overshadowed by narratives centered on white feminists or male civil rights leaders.
Recognizing and amplifying Black women’s voices is essential, not only to honor their contributions but to ensure that their perspectives continue to shape efforts toward equality and justice.
Women’s History Month is not just a celebration — it’s a call to action, beginning with acknowledging how Black women have been at the forefront of gender and racial justice advocacy. Their resilience serves as a powerful reminder that progress is possible when we address inequality in all its forms — including gender-based violence. By centering their contributions and continuing their work, we can create a future where gender equality and racial justice are no longer ideals but realities.
Honor Their Fight by Ending Domestic Violence With CAWC
At Connections for Abused Women and Their Children (CAWC), we believe that everyone has a right to a safe home and a life free from violence. Our mission to end domestic violence in all demographics is rooted in education, service, and advocacy. In addition to working toward broader social change, we provide empowerment-based and trauma-informed support in the form of shelter, counseling, and advocacy for individuals and their children affected by intimate partner violence.
If you or someone you know is actively experiencing the impacts of sexual violence, don’t hesitate to call our 24-hour hotline at 773-278-4566. For nonemergency support, reach out through our contact form today.
Want to help us protect more survivors and children? You can impact the life of a domestic violence survivor or a child who witnessed domestic violence by donating to CAWC today or by supporting our work in other ways.