March 2022 is Women's History Month
March 2022 is Women's History Month. Teaching young girls about women's history can be very empowering for them.
Having positive female role models can teach young girls that they can do anything that they set their mind to. Teaching our daughters about women's history is a great way to empower them through providing these role models.
According to the National Women's History Alliance, "For girls, knowing women’s achievements expands their sense of what is possible. For all of us, knowledge of women’s strengths and contributions builds respect and nourishes self esteem — crucial to all children and adults now, and in the years to come."
This year's theme for Women's History month is,
"set by the National Women’s History Alliance is "Providing Healing, Promoting Hope."
The organization said it chose the theme as a tribute "to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history."
This theme was set in part because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and all of the workers who have been a part of the effort to help with medical care for those in need during this time.
It is also important to think of the women who have helped others during this time as cashiers, childcare workers and teachers. These women have been on the front lines all during the pandemic, helping others and making a difference to our society as a whole.
How learning history benefits girls
There are many ways that learning women's history benefits women and young girls.
According to the University of Utah, "Women’s history is important because women’s contributions in history are often overlooked and under taught. Learning about underrepresented parts of history benefits learners in numerous ways. Hearing more diverse stories creates a more diverse mindset. When learners have a diverse education, they are more creative and collaborative, they are able to confront stereotypes, and they are more willing to re-examine their personal beliefs and learn more about themselves."
When young women see role models that look like them, it helps them to envision themselves at their best and aspire to new things.
According to Forbes, "Research shows that role models have three core benefits for women:
role models represent and expand what is possible
role models inspire women to be more ambitious and aim higher
role models demonstrate the mindsets and behaviors of how to rise"
Women are more likely to enter a STEM career when they have a female teacher for those courses. Seeing inspirational women in these types of fields helps remove barriers for women by helping them to dream big.
There are many wonderful examples throughout history, both recent and long ago, that can be used to inspire women and young girls. Here are some examples.
Kamala Harris
Our Vice President of the United States is the first woman to hold this office. Her election to this office is an inspiration to women all over the country. By breaking the glass ceiling and holding this high office, she is an inspiration to women and girls throughout the nation.
Since Vice President Harris has been elected, she is a role model to show young girls that they can aspire to hold political office as they grow older. By attaining a career in the law, they can make the first step toward holding a political office later in life.
You can view her bio here.
Kamala Harris: The Vice President
Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa is an inspiration to many because of her life of selflessness and charitable work. When she was alive, she won the Nobel Prize. Since her death, she has been canonized by the Catholic Church as a saint.
She has been acclaimed throughout the world because of her giving heart, and her work with the poor in Calcutta. Mother Teresa can be an inspiration to young girls by showing that humanitarian work is very important to our world, as is giving to others.
You can view her bio here.
Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart is one of the most famous female aviators. She was the first woman to cross the Atlantic Ocean by plane, and only the second person to do so. She is an inspiration to women and young girls because at the time she was doing this work, aviation was a field that was typically dominated by men.
Through her persistence in doing something that most people thought was impossible, as well as entering a heavily male-dominated field, she is an inspiration to many people. Amelia Earhart is a great figure to teach our daughters more about. She is also great to teach about if your daughter has an interest in flying planes someday herself.
You can view her bio here.
Anne Frank
Although Anne Frank did not live to reach adulthood, she is still an inspirational figure to many. Through her detailed account of experiences during the Holocaust, we can learn about that time period and all of the suffering that it entailed.
She is an inspirational figure because of the strength that she showed in the strength of adversity. Also, teaching our daughters about Anne Frank shows them that even young girls can make a difference in the world.
You can view her bio here.
There are many other inspiring women that we can teach our daughters about, such as:
There are so many more amazing women in history, I couldn't possibly name them all. Think of all the women who have inspired you throughout your life. They could be famous and well known, or they could be figures in your own life.
Are you inspired by your mother, grandmother, or a family friend? Who are all the women who have made a difference in your life? Let me know in the comments!
The official Women's History Month website provides many events that you can attend virtually to learn more!
Also, you can learn more about Famous Women in Medicine to fit with this year's theme for Women's History Month.
