March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate and honor the countless contributions women have made throughout history. This national celebration originated in 1982 when Congress passed Public Law 97-28, which authorized and requested the president to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982, as Women’s History Week. Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating March as Women’s History Month.
It is a time to reflect on the progress that has been made by women for women, and to recognize the continued fight for gender equality. Celebrating Women's History Month is not only about honoring the past but also about inspiring future generations of women to achieve greatness. In the U.S., Women's History Month coincides with International Women's Day on March 8.
Teachers can share inspiring stories of women from diverse backgrounds and cultures throughout history who have made significant contributions to society. You can use books and videos—like the ones at @UntoldEDU—or other resources to highlight the achievements of women in various fields such as science, politics, art, literature and sports.
Throughout March, teachers and students can wear purple to show their support for Women's History Month. Purple represents justice and dignity, which are values women continue to fight for.
The Equal Rights Amendment: A Woman's Prerogative
Questions for Discussion:
- What is the main purpose of the Equal Rights Amendment?
- Why wasn’t the Equal Rights Amendment ratified in the 1970s, despite having widespread support at the time?
- What efforts have been made in recent years to revive the Equal Rights Amendment, and what has been their outcome?
Madeleine Albright’s Brooches
Questions for Discussion:
- What is the significance of Madeleine Albright's appointment as the first female U.S. secretary of state?
- What were some of the key foreign policy challenges that Albright faced during her tenure as secretary of state?
- How did Albright's personal experiences as a refugee and immigrant shape her worldview and approach to foreign policy?
Patsy Mink: Groundbreaking Congresswoman
Questions for Discussion:
- What were some of the major political and social issues Patsy Mink fought for during her career?
- How did Mink's personal experiences as a Japanese American and a child of immigrants shape her political beliefs and activism?
- How do you think Mink's advocacy for equal rights and opportunities has influenced current debates and policies on issues such as education, healthcaren and the workplace?
Katherine Johnson: Trailblazing NASA Mathematician
Questions for Discussion:
- How did Katherine Johnson contribute to the U.S. space program, and what were some of the challenges she faced as a woman and a person of color?
- What were some of the obstacles Johnson faced in pursuing her education and career, and how did she overcome them?
- How did Johnson's contributions to the U.S. space program challenge and reshape prevailing attitudes and stereotypes about women and people of color in science and technology?
Zitkala-Ša: Advocate for the Rights of Native People
Questions for Discussion:
- How did Zitkala-Ša become involved in the advocacy for the rights of Native people, and what were some of the major issues she addressed?
- What was the significance of Zitkala-Ša's work in preserving and promoting Native American culture and traditions?
- How did Zitkala-Ša use her writing and storytelling to raise awareness about the experiences and perspectives of Native people?
Women's History Month is an excellent opportunity for teachers to celebrate and honor the immense impact of women throughout time. You can inspire your students to learn more about women's achievements as well as empower them to make a positive impact in the world. Please check out the UntoldEdu History Channel on YouTube, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @UntoldEdu.
Women's History Month Lesson Plans & Resources
Use these timely preK-12 lesson plans and class activities to incorporate key figures and historical events in your Women’s History Month lesson planning. This Share My Lesson collection spans topics like women’s suffrage and women’s rights and features influential women in science, social justice and rock-and-roll.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Want to see more stories like this one? Subscribe to the SML e-newsletter!
Untold History explores stories, people and artifacts that students won’t learn about in an ordinary text book. Perhaps now more than ever, our history is a vital and very present part of the world around us.
Mark Spencer
March 22, 2023, 6:17 am
Thanks for sharing this best stuff with us! Keep sharing! I am new in blog writing. All types of blogs and posts are not helpful for the readers. Here the author is giving good thoughts and suggestions to each and every reader through this article. literature-essay Quality of the content is the main element of the blog and this is the way of writing Private Lesson Bensu Soral Green Coat and presenting.
