When we are taught history, we are mostly informed about what the great men of the world have done in the past. Women are seldom mentioned. In so many areas, women have been written out of history. Because they are not mentioned, they are doomed to oblivion. Women's contributions and accomplishments have largely been overlooked and consequently omitted from mainstream culture. After watching a documentary movie about women’s stony path to political participation and relevance, a young woman remarked, “Why didn’t we learn anything about this in school?” And even today, women are still not respected as they should be. They have always had to fight against masculine power, arrogance, and restrictions of all kinds.
Why do need Women’s History? The website of the (US) National Women’s History Museum, founded in 1996, answers this question:
“The National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) is an innovative online museum dedicated to uncovering, interpreting, and celebrating women’s diverse contributions to society. A renowned leader in women’s history education, the Museum brings to life the countless untold stories of women throughout history, and serves as a space for all to inspire, experience, collaborate, and amplify women’s impact—past, present, and future. We strive to fundamentally change the way women and girls see their potential and power.”[1]
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, one of the early leaders of the women’s rights movement in the US said: “Social science affirms that a woman's place in society marks the level of civilization.” Despite limited rights and lack of political participation, women have been driving forces in history. The dedicated women in the early days of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church made a great impact on the development of the denomination and they should not be forgotten. Maybe it would be a good idea to establish an online museum like the NWHM where information about all these women could be found.
In the US, March is Women’s History Month. As EUD Adventist Women’s Ministries, we want to share with you the stories of some forgotten Adventist pioneers during Women’s History Month. They selflessly served as missionaries in difficult situations because they were convinced of the importance of the Gospel message.Their stories deserve to be told everywhere. About the woman who had anointed his feet, Jesus said, “She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.’” [1] Jesus was aware of how important it would be to tell the stories of women. Join us in discovering these women in the weeks to come.
[1] Mark 14:8+9 NIV