Most people don’t even know this simple fact. Further, the majority of Americans do not know their women’s history well either. In fact, a recent online survey from the National Women’s History Museum reveals that most Americans receive an ‘F’ on their knowledge of women’s history. By way of example, do you know Ida B. Wells (July 16, 1862 – March 25, 1931), Elizabeth Blackwell (February, 3 1821 – May 31, 1910), or Sally Ride (May 26, 1951 – July 23, 2012)? Probably not, but do you know Martin Luther King, Sigmund Freud and Neil Armstrong? Respectively, these two lists of women and men were civil rights activists, doctors and astronauts.
It could be due to the history books we studied in school, maybe the media doesn’t highlight women enough, or perhaps we tend to skip over or discount significant contributions made by women. Regardless of the reason, the reality is that countless women have made significant contributions to our country, society and government that have and will make a lasting impact, but that sadly, we know little about. Let’s explore.
From the first US settlers, through the industrial age, and within the last 150 years, women in journalism, civil rights, science and business have continuously worked to improve their fields of study and work. Today, as women who mentor or touch the lives of other women, knowledge of women’s history is an important and useful tool. The accomplishments of women before us can inspire, challenge and pave the way for the continued success of our current generation of women.
Know this – someone is always watching you. Whether it’s your daughter; a neighbor girl; a female colleague at work; a woman you volunteer beside; a young mother you encounter frequently; even a sister or cousin – someone is learning from you whether you realize it or not. Often, what they emulate is non-verbal. Your actions and behaviors speak much louder than your words. Ask yourself what messages are they internalizing about assertiveness, taking a stance or even self-value based on you as a role model. Would you want a female you care about to emulate your behavior?
Further, if someone is emulating you, they will look to you for guidance and advice. If in those encounters, you can draw on the example or parallel situation of a woman in history who has made a significant impact, what a powerful lesson and message you can teach. To know that a woman has forged a path before us in a certain area is very empowering. Read on for more than just a few examples (I had a hard time narrowing it down!)
Nurse Clara Barton, most famous for treating injured Civil War soldiers, later founded the American Red Cross. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony were a fierce suffragist duo who also fought very hard in the war against slavery. A major contributor to literature, Louisa May Alcott was the first author who produced literature for the mass market of young girls. She published nearly 300 works, most notably, Little Women, which was published in 1868.
In 1932, Florence Allen was appointed to the US Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit after serving on the Ohio Supreme Court. She was the first woman appointed as a federal appeals court judge. Today, 1/3 of those serving on the US Supreme Court are women.
In science and technology, Sally Ride was the first American woman in space in 1983. Mae Jemison was the first African-American woman in space just nine years later.
As a mentor, leader, counselor or otherwise encourager to other women, we assist in unfolding the future for our younger generation. As you go out and positively impact women, consider the lives and accomplishments of those before you and share their stories in honor of them, and in the building up of strong women around you. Inspire them to make a difference and challenge them to reach to higher levels than they ever thought possible.
In closing, I’d like to share this timely video of my own granddaughter, Samantha, speaking about the life and accomplishments of the first African-American female astronaut, Mae Jemison:
Mae Jemison, presented by Samantha Shannon
When Samantha, age 8, learned about her, she was inspired and excited. Our goal is to inspire you as well. I challenge you to learn about one woman that changed the course of history and share it with a young female in your circle of influence.
©Copyright 2016. Kay Fittes. All Rights Reserved.