October: Women's History Month

October is Women's History Month, and this year the theme in Canada is Because of Her (recognizing the women who have shaped Canada’s history). Because of the research I am doing for my book sometimes it feels like this has been Women's History Year. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time alone in my office discovering strong women, women who have been wronged, women who have made a difference and women who have fought with their words and actions to improve all women's living conditions. I may have spent most of that time alone, but I felt surrounded by courage, hope and energy. With every passing day I become increasingly impatient to share my findings and writing with my sisters, girlfriends and all women.

My book's title is still a secret, but some days I feel like changing the name to Herstory because that is what it feels like. I have not been keeping track so I am not sure how many women's lives and stories I have discussed but the total could easily be approaching 100. Through my writing I feel like I'm resurrecting some women--well, their stories, anyhow--and introducing others that everyone should know about because they are wonderful people.

This week I edited a chapter that included a discussion on antipornography legislation and the sexualization of childified women and adultified girls. So many women (and men) have been working on this problem for decades! I am looking forward to giving them more visibility.