Racine Domincan Sisters Recognized For Role In Community Improvement

Once again Racine County has formally supported Women’s’ History Month with a proclamation calling March Women’s’ History Month in Racine County. The proclamation this year recognized the for their 150 years of dedicated work to improve our community through their ongoing commitment and contributions to the “betterment of life in Racine County.”

Congratulations to the Dominican Sisters for what they have accomplished leading to their Sesquicentennial. They truly have been “central to our spiritual, cultural, and social life,” as the proclamation points out. They have” founded and nurtured numerous educational, charitable and philanthropic organizations; and have been at the forefront of movements for peace and justice.”

Women’s History first began in 1981, as a national celebration recognized by Congress. It has enjoyed similar yearly actions by lawmakers and presidents. Reflecting on Women’s History, we realize just how gender has been an obstacle in the past, but hopefully no more.

This year Women’s History theme, for instance, looks at “Women’s Education – Women’s Empowerment.” The review shows that “Although women now outnumber men in American colleges nationwide, the reversal of the gender gap is a very recent phenomenon. The fight to learn was a valiant struggle waged by many tenacious women—across years and across cultures—in our country.” -- http://womenshistorymonth.gov/about.html

I found it appalling to learn that “Pioneers of secondary education for young women faced arguments from physicians and other “experts” who claimed either that females were incapable of intellectual development equal to men, or that they would be harmed by striving for it. Women’s supposed intellectual and moral weakness was also used to argue against coeducation.” -- http://www.nwhp.org/whm/index.php

Reading about Women’s History proves that the Racine Dominican Sisters deserve to be recognized for their work, and the struggles they have taken on. It also reminds us that we need to go forward, not back to darker times. Thank you, Sisters.