Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and, therefore, also half of its potential. Gender equality, besides being a fundamental human right, is essential to achieve peaceful societies, with full human potential and sustainable development. Gender equality in science is crucial for building a better future for all, yet women and girls continue to face systemic barriers and biases in pursuing scientific careers.

Closing the gender gap in science requires breaking stereotypes, promoting role models to inspire girls, supporting women's advancement through targeted programs, and fostering inclusive environments through policies and actions that promote inclusion, diversity and equity.

A significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields. Full and equal access to and participation in science, technology and innovation for women and girls of all ages is imperative for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

Despite some progress in recent decades, with varying success depending on disciplines and countries, gender equality in science remains elusive. Today, only one in three scientists is a woman. Lack of gender equality in science is not just a problem that affects women. It also limits scientific progress and hamstrings a country’s development and its efforts to build peaceful societies.

Awareness days/weeks/months are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. Use this day as a reminder to support women and girls in STEM at all ages, to encourage their interest and promote learning more. Their unique perspective could be the thing that changes the world in a positive way.

All are welcome to come to our Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Support Group every other Monday night at the YWCA. The group is free and available to anyone who just needs to be in a safe environment with others who may have similar experiences to support each other.

Happy 100th Birthday!

2026 marks a milestone of both progress and persistence in the United States, the 100th anniversary of federal recognition for Black Americans. What began as a singular week of learning and recognition called Negro History Week in 1926 has grown into an overall cultural observance of Black History throughout the month of February.

The architect of this movement was Dr. Carter G. Woodson. A historian and educator, he also holds the distinction of being the second African American to receive a Ph.D. from Harvard University, following W.E.B. Du Bois. As the son of formerly enslaved parents, Dr. Woodson understood that denying people of their history denies them of their humanity. “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history,” he wrote.

To combat that, he launched Negro History Week (NHW) to coincide with the February birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, the two figures whom he felt were symbolically tied to African American freedom. His goal was simple but ambitious: to integrate Black history into the educational curriculum, public libraries, local churches, and communities at large across the nation. He did not design the week to be a symbolic gesture; instead, it was meant to be a permanent shift in how America viewed and understood itself.

By 1976, the United States formally expanded the week-long recognition into Black History Month with the essence of Woodson’s vision remaining unchanged: Black history is not a sidebar to American history - it is part of it.

The 100-year anniversary prompts reflection not only on what has been accomplished, but also on why this work continues to matter.

Black History Month is often associated with familiar icons - Martin Luther King, Jr, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman - yet the deeper intention is about uncovering thousands of stories once ignored: scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, academics, inventors, policy leaders, soldiers, and everyday citizens who shaped the nation.

For students, leaders, and global citizens, engaging with Black history is not only about honoring resilience - it is about building cultural competency, learning from systemic injustice, and developing the leadership skills required in an increasingly diverse world. Woodson warned: “If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition... it stands in danger of being exterminated.”

This Black History Month is not simply a date on the calendar; it is a powerful reminder to recognize the generations who fought for inclusion in the historical record, even when the nation resisted acknowledging their humanity.

And as the world pauses in 2026 to honor a century of commemoration, the message remains as clear — and necessary — as ever:

Black history is American history. And remembering it strengthens us all.

• by Doug Melville, FORBES contributor

All are welcome to come to our Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Support Group every other Monday night at the YWCA. The group is free and available to anyone who just needs to be in a safe environment with others who may have similar experiences to support each other.

All are welcome to come to our Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Support Group every other Monday night at the YWCA. The group is free and available to anyone who just needs to be in a safe environment with others who may have similar experiences to support each other.

All are welcome to come to our Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Support Group every other Monday night at the YWCA. The group is free and available to anyone who just needs to be in a safe environment with others who may have similar experiences to support each other.

All are welcome to come to our Domestic and Sexual Assault Support Group every other Monday night at the YWCA. The group is free and available to anyone who just needs to be in a safe environment with others who may have similar experiences to support each other.

All are welcome to come to our Domestic and Sexual Assault Support Group every other Monday night at the YWCA. The group is free and available to anyone who just needs to be in a safe environment with others who may have similar experiences to support each other.

All are welcome to come to our Domestic and Sexual Assault Support Group every other Monday night at the YWCA. The group is free and available to anyone who just needs to be in a safe environment with others who may have similar experiences to support each other.

YWCA Great Falls is proud to partner with Susie McIntyre for a women’s empowerment training class to help them protect themselves against physical violence. Participants will learn techniques and strategies to disable the threat and escape to safety. The event is free and for ages 12+. No late entries accepted.

Handmade bowls from Montana artists, hot soups donated by our generous community restaurants, desserts, and raffles! An event that supports the Mercy Home Shelter Program for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault survivors. Bring your family and friends and enjoy a safe, fun afternoon that supports a great cause. Tickets are $35 each and available online or stop by our office at 220 2nd St N.

MacKenzie River and YWCA Great Falls invite you to dine with us to help raise funds for YWCA Great Falls initiatives. Simply present the flyer to your Mack Riv server on October 15th and 20% of your food sales will be donated back to YWCA Great Falls.

All are welcome to come to our Domestic and Sexual Assault Peer Support Group every other Monday night at the YWCA. The group is free and available to anyone who just needs to be in a safe environment with others who may have similar experiences to support each other.

Thanks to the hard work of James McKinley as well as a generous donation from Fast Car Wash, we are holding a raffle to benefit the YWCA and its programs, including the Mercy Home Shelter Program. First prize is a motorized bike, Second prize is a $100 gift card for Fast Car Wash, Third prize is a $50 gift card for Fast Car Wash. Tickets are $5 each and available at the YWCA office. Drawing will be held on October 6th!