Character, Courage, Commitment

March is Women’s History Month, and we have National Women’s History Project to thank for the official designation, which came in 1987.  They’re still celebrating!  They chose for this year’s theme “Character, Courage, and Commitment,” and have picked a dozen women who exemplify these traits to be honored.  Here are three very different women who each have something to teach us:

Chipeta (1843 – 1924)
Indian Rights Advocate and Diplomat  

Chipeta was a wise and outspoken advisor to her husband, a Ute Indian leader. Born into the Kiowa Apache tribe in the 1840s, Chipeta was raised by the Uncompahgre Ute tribe in what is now western Colorado. In her teens she wedded Ouray, who became a powerful Ute chief during the often violent and brutal times of western settlement. Chipeta was a peacemaker who did not consider all settlers to be the enemy, often giving food to starving white families. In 1879 when her tribe was about to start a war with settlers, Chipeta successfully convinced Chief Ouray to call off all fighting, arguing the war would be devastating to the Utes.

These Spirit Line Moccasins are handmade by the Huron-Wendat Nation.  Beautiful, aren’t they?  They are made of moose hide, and include traditional moose hair embroidery with a thick corded cross stitch in brilliant color—that’s the Spirit Line!  It draws attention to the focus of the traditional art of Native culture based upon the Great Spirit of Nature.  Yours from Thunderbird Mountain Trading Company for $150 (whole sizes only).

Katharine Ryan Gibbs (1863 – 1934)
Women’s Employment Pioneer

Katharine Ryan Gibbs founded Katharine Gibbs School in 1911 to provide women with high-level secretarial training and the opportunity to earn their own incomes. Gibbs was a mother and housewife for much of her life, until she was widowed at 48 and left with no means to support herself or her two sons. Teaming up with her sister, they purchased a failing Providence, Rhode Island secretarial school in 1911, and quickly expanded. At a time when educated women were generally expected to become teachers or nurses, Katharine Gibbs School offered women an exceptional secretarial education and new opportunities, which made skilled office work a realistic career for women.  (I have a special fondness for Gibbs, because my grandmother went to the Katherine Gibbs School.)

You’re hired!  The Dance Instead of Walking is a classic Oxford pump, made of faux leather and bedecked with punch detailing.  And it’s only 2.5 inches high!  You could wear these all day at work no problem.  Katherine Gibbs would be proud.  Find them at ModCloth for $38.

Tammy Duckworth (1968 – Present)
Member of Congress and Iraq War Veteran  

Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Representative from Illinois, is an Iraq War veteran and former Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs. In 2004, she was deployed to Iraq as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot (which you have to admit is badass). She was one of the first Army women to fly combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom until her helicopter was hit by an RPG on November 12, 2004. She lost her legs and partial use of her right arm in the explosion and was subsequently awarded a Purple Heart for her combat injuries. In 2012, she became the first disabled woman elected to serve in the House of Representatives. Duckworth has a strong record advocating and implementing improvements to veteran’s services.

Kick butt and take names in the American Flag Combat Boots by Nana.  They have a chunky two-inch heel and a fourteen-inch shaft ablaze with Old Glory.  There are laces up the front, but a zipper up the side in case you need to hurry up and go!  On sale for $29 at Street Moda.

So honor the awesome women behind us, around us, and before us this month.  Thanks, awesome women, for showing us how it’s done!