March has finally arrived, and with it, the promise of sunnier days ahead! This time of year, most of us would probably say that spring couldn’t come soon enough. Making it to that first 60-odd-degree day always feels like a victory (especially for those of us who live in cooler climates). Spring is a season that symbolizes hope and renewal. Only one thing could be more deserving of our celebration and gratitude this month… the groundbreaking accomplishments of women throughout history!
March is Women’s History Month! The stories of history’s greatest trailblazers are always worth celebrating. But now seems like a particularly appropriate time to honor these women, who stood up for their beliefs in the face of unimaginable difficulty. If you’re coping with an unexpected pregnancy, or any number of other challenges, may you be inspired by these powerful stories of courage and resilience.
The women highlighted in this blog are just three among millions who’ve overcome unexpected, overwhelming challenges throughout history. The vast majority of individuals who fit this description aren’t famous. Most of history’s heroines fought, and continue to fight, private battles. You also have the strength and resiliency that you need to persevere through your own challenges. The legends we’re about to discuss may have faced different struggles than you. But by following in their footsteps, you can make it through this storm, eventually reaching your own best pregnancy outcome. Avenue Women’s Center exists to be your advocate and ally throughout this journey.
Avenue Women’s Center is a first-step clinic based in Chicagoland that’s been offering vital early pregnancy support at no cost for over 40 years. Discover what we’re about and reach out to us today!
Harriet Tubman
No list of “overcomers” would be complete without Harriet Tubman. Born into slavery around 1820, Harriet suffered many physical and emotional abuses in early childhood that she carried with her for the rest of her life. At the age of 12, she threw herself in front of a weight that had been thrown by an overseer (intended for another slave), and sustained a major head injury. This caused her to experience permanent recurring headaches and narcolepsy. Harriet escaped from her plantation in 1849, but her sorrow over the ongoing enslavement of her family and friends drove her to become a conductor on the Underground Railroad and lead many others to freedom. Later on, she served in the Union Army during the American Civil War, doing everything from treating wounded soldiers and escaped enslaved people to leading espionage missions. Harriet Tubman was, in many other ways, a lifelong champion for the freedom and well-being of African Americans, and of all humanity (History.com).
Alice Paul
Born in 1885, Alice Paul grew up on a farm in New Jersey. She would eventually become one of the leading members of the women’s suffragist movement and author of the Equal Rights Amendment, first written in 1923. Alice was repeatedly harassed, assaulted, arrested, and imprisoned, all in an effort to secure women’s voting rights and promote other feminist causes. One especially significant demonstration that she was a part of included the first political protest at the White House in 1917. Alice and others, who had been picketing silently, were beaten and jailed in response to this 18-month rally. Her enormous personal sacrifices eventually played a role in the passing of the 19th Amendment in 1919, which finally granted women the legal right to vote (History.com).
Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai is the youngest-ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and a true modern-day heroine. Growing up in Pakistan, Malala’s forward-thinking father instilled in her a passion for girls’ education. These values were tested when the Taliban seized control of her village in 2008 and violently shut down schools for girls. In the midst of bombings and threats, 11-year-old Malala spoke publicly and unapologetically about her basic right to education. She continued to advocate for girls’ civil liberties over the next several years. In 2012, when she was 15 years old, Malala was shot in the head by Taliban members while riding a bus. Miraculously, she survived. The incident significantly increased worldwide awareness of her cause, leading to a bestselling book and the establishment of a fund to support girls’ education. Malala was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2014 at the age of 17 (History.com).
Living and Breathing Uncertainty
To say that these 3 extraordinary women overcame many unexpected challenges would be an understatement. Harriet Tubman faced more dangers in her life than most of us could imagine, with more courage than most of us could comprehend. Alice Paul voluntarily suffered intense physical and verbal abuse in support of a cause that was scorned by most influential people of her day. And Malala Yousafzai boldly advocated for the rights of her peers, despite her young age, her low social standing, and the threat of terrorism. These women lived and breathed risk and uncertainty every moment of every day. They never knew what terrifying challenges they might have to face next, but when trials came, they stood their ground.
Qualities of a True “Overcomer”
Harriet, Alice, and Malala came from different generations and cultural backgrounds. They each faced a unique set of challenges. However, these 3 women (and others who stood for their causes) had much in common. They were socially vulnerable, undervalued, and in many cases, hated. They were vocal about their beliefs, even though those beliefs were rejected by powerful people around them. From the world’s perspective, none of them “should” have accomplished all that they did. And yet, each one displayed strength beyond her limited resources, bravely defied the obstacles, and ultimately changed the world. These women had some shared qualities that allowed them to achieve this:
- A willingness to “show up,” come what may. Harriet, Alice, and Malala were true trailblazers. They didn’t subscribe to a, “someone else will do it” mentality. Instead, they did whatever they thought was the next right thing, and accepted the risks.
- Powerful principles. Harriet, Alice, Malala, and many others like them were able to accept risks because they had strong foundations to stand on: deeply-rooted values and beliefs. Undoubtedly, they experienced a lot of fear. But their principles were strong enough to outweigh their doubts. That’s what true courage looks like.
- Strong support systems. Each of these three women had a strong support system that started with one person or two, and eventually grew into a vast network. Their support systems gave them the strength, resources, and drive that empowered them to change the course of history.
With any luck, spring will be here soon. May this changing season bring hope for the future as you navigate an unexpected pregnancy. Have faith that it is possible to reach a positive outcome to this story. Your circumstances may be different than Harriet’s, Alice’s, or Malala’s, but following their examples can equip you to make your own best decision regarding your pregnancy. So, weigh the risks associated with your options- but don’t let those risks box you in. Consider your values and build a healthy support system. You have deeply rooted beliefs that can help guide your decision-making, whether you’re fully aware of this or not. You also have the ability to move forward with greater courage and resiliency than you realize. Avenue Women’s Center is here to offer you reliable information and unconditional emotional support, whatever you decide.
Call, text, chat, or email to speak with an expert staff member! We offer confidential lab-quality pregnancy tests, options consultations, and limited medical ultrasounds, all with compassion and excellence.
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References:
History.com. (2023, February). Alice Paul. Retrieved from: https://www.history.com/topics/womens-history/alice-paul
History.com. (2024, February). Harriet Tubman. Retrieved from: https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/harriet-tubman
History.com. This Day In History: 2014 Malala Yousafzai, 17, wins Nobel Peace Prize. Retrieved from: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/malala-wins-nobel-prize
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.