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Best Ways To Celebrate Women's History Month 2013 In Sacramento

Young women may not realize how different their grandmothers and great-grandmothers lives were; many of the things now taken for granted only became reality due to the efforts of generations of forward-thinking females. Women's History Month is a national commemoration of those accomplishments, and Sacramento offers many ways to celebrate. Less than 50 years ago, it was legal to not hire a woman for a job simply because she was female. Today, women own international companies, fly to the moon, play professional sports and succeed in every arena from politics to physics. You've come a long way, baby.

women trailblazers
(credit: saclibrary.org)

Women Trailblazers of California
Sacramento Public Library – Rancho Cordova
9845 Folsom Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95827
(916) 264-2700
www.saclibrary.org

Date: March 13

There are few people more knowledgeable about the history of women in Sacramento than Dr. Gloria Harris; the renowned psychologist and coauthor of "Women Trailblazers of California." Enjoy this unique opportunity to hear her speak about the women who have helped define the face of the golden state. The book highlights 40 women from a variety of fields, including Dolores Huerta of the United Farm Workers, Hearst Castle architect Julia Morgan and silent film star Mary Pickford. Harris is a trailblazer herself, having coauthored innovative books like "Assertive Training for Women" in 1975 and "Surviving Infidelity," now in its third edition.

women's chorus
(credit: sacramentowomenschorus.com)

Sacramento Women's Chorus 25th Anniversary Concert
Sacramento Waldorf School - Linden Hall
3750 Bannister Road
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
www.sacramentowomenschorus.com

Date: March 9

Join Sacramento Women's Chorus' joyful celebration of a quarter century of helping local women and children in need. The nonprofit group performs an eclectic selection of songs at its concerts that appeal to a wide range of audiences, and proceeds go to help homeless women and children in Sacramento. The group also has an uplifting annual concert during the winter holiday season and performs throughout the year in conjunction with other local charities. The chorus welcomes others to join regardless of their level of musical talent or experience. Visit one of the rehearsals held Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at First Christian Church on Folsom Boulevard.

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ca remarkanble women
(credit: californiamuseum.org)

"California's Remarkable Women"
The California Museum
1020 O St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 653-7524
www.californiamuseum.org

From the kitchen table to the stars above, women in California have really left their mark on the world. This signature exhibit at the California Museum brings visitors into the lives of around 200 inspirational women from the past and present. Early suffragists in California may never have imagined that their fight for the right to vote would lead to women in politics, including March Fong Eu and Congresswoman Karen Bass. Physicist and astronaut Sally Ride is celebrated for her accomplishments, as are fashion designer Colleen Quen and Sophie Cubbison of "Mrs. Cubbison's" stuffing mix fame. Museum visitors should also take the opportunity to explore the exhibit on female designer and artist Ray Eames; the Sacramento native's accomplishments included the ubiquitous Eames chair.

Woman-owned Businesses in Sacramento

trends and treats
(credit: trendsntreats.com)

The business world has changed a lot since 1920, when the US Department of Labor first began to consider women in the work force. Today, Sacramento is home to many successful businesses that are not only run by females but are owned by them as well. Celebrate the strides women have made as entrepreneurs by spending your hard-earned dollars at local woman-owned small businesses. You won't be making a sacrifice for the principal of women's rights; these are businesses offering top-of-the-line goods and services. For example, Hope Harris is an exceptionally talented Sacramento photographer and portraitist and Millie Finch owns Trends-n-Treats, a unique store for pet supplies, gifts and animal care services. Debbie Driggs provides the ultimate in hair care and styling at her shop, and store owner Debbie Milanova's Legacy Boutique is a great find for Sacramento fashionistas.

Related: Most Iconic Works Of Art In Sacramento

Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers animals and community issues. She has volunteered and worked for many organizations helping animals and people. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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