Women's History Month presents an invaluable opportunity for educators to inspire students by highlighting the achievements of women throughout history. You can offer your school both creative ideas for celebration, as well as introduce lesser-known yet influential women whose stories can enrich your curriculum. This WHM, we can focus on different areas in which women excelled so students will recognize new names in context to their achievements.
REMARKABLE WOMEN TO FEATURE
Feature Women in STEM
Highlight the achievements of women like Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958), a chemist and x-ray crystallographer who helped to reveal the DNA double-helix among other contributions, and Chien-Shiung Wu (1912-1997), a pioneering experimental physicist who made significant contributions to the field of nuclear physics. Encourage students to explore careers in STEM through their inspiring journeys.
Celebrate Women in the Arts
Introduce your students to Frida Kahlo, known for her bold self-portraits and contribution to modern art, and Billie Holiday, whose music both enraptured its listeners and tackled racial issues. Discuss their impact on culture and society, and inspire an art project or a music appreciation session.
Learn from Women of Courage and Determination
Introduce students to Jeanne Baret (1740-1807), the first woman to circumnavigate the globe (and did so disguised as a man!), and Greta Thunberg, a young environmental activist with a global influence who can be inspirational for teen girls everywhere. The courage exhibited by these women can spark conversations on human rights, bravery, and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Explore Women's Contributions to the Arts
Dive into the works of Maya Angelou, a poet and civil rights activist, through her poem "Phenomenal Woman" and other writings. Honor Lois Mailou Jones (1905-1998), who was both a teacher and pioneering artist who blended African, Caribbean, African-American, and American art and tradition for over seven decades. Discuss how literature and art can be a powerful tool for social change and personal expression.
Acknowledge Women in Leadership
Discuss the roles of women like Eleanor Roosevelt and Michelle Obama in shaping policies and advocating for social justice. Introduce Sirimavo Bandaranaike (1916-2000), the first female prime minister who fearlessly lead Sri Lanka (Ceylon) by reshaping the political landscape for three terms. Projects can include researching their initiatives and their impact on American society.
Honor Women's Rights Activists
Teach about Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Sojourner Truth, key figures in the fight for women's suffrage and abolition. Ruth Bader Ginsburg served as the second female Supreme Court Justice and was an incredible advocate for women's rights.
Make Women's History Month an Event
Cap off the month by having students creatively share something about a woman they've researched or been inspired by on a timeline. This can be an inclusive event where the whole school participates, posting knowledge and celebrating the diverse contributions of women throughout history in a visual and memorable way.Â