Most people don\u2019t even know this simple fact.\u00a0 Further, the majority of Americans do not know their women\u2019s history well either.\u00a0 In fact, a recent online survey from the National Women\u2019s History Museum reveals that most Americans receive an \u2018F\u2019 on their knowledge of women\u2019s history.\u00a0 By way of example, do you know Ida B. Wells (July 16, 1862 \u2013 March 25, 1931), Elizabeth Blackwell (February, 3 1821\u00a0\u2013 May 31, 1910), or Sally Ride (May 26, 1951\u00a0\u2013 July 23, 2012)?\u00a0 Probably not, but do you know Martin Luther King, Sigmund Freud and Neil Armstrong?\u00a0 Respectively, these two lists of women and men were civil rights activists, doctors and astronauts.<\/p>\n
It could be due to the history books we studied in school, maybe the media doesn\u2019t highlight women enough, or perhaps we tend to skip over or discount significant contributions made by women.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Let\u2019s explore.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0 Today, as women who mentor or touch the lives of other women, knowledge of women\u2019s history is an important and useful tool.\u00a0 The accomplishments of women before us can inspire, challenge and pave the way for the continued success of our current generation of women.<\/p>\n
Know this \u2013 someone is always watching you.\u00a0 Whether it\u2019s 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.\u00a0 Often, what they emulate is non-verbal.\u00a0 Your actions and behaviors speak much louder than your words.\u00a0 Ask yourself what messages are they internalizing about assertiveness, taking a stance or even self-value based on you as a role model.\u00a0\u00a0 Would you want a female you care about to emulate your behavior?<\/p>\n
Further, if someone is emulating you, they will look to you for guidance and advice.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 To know that a woman has forged a path before us in a certain area is very empowering.\u00a0 Read on for more than just a few examples (I had a hard time narrowing it down!)<\/p>\n
Nurse Clara Barton, most famous for treating injured Civil War soldiers, later founded the American Red Cross.\u00a0 Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony were a fierce suffragist duo who also fought very hard in the war against slavery.\u00a0 A major contributor to literature, Louisa May Alcott was the first author who produced literature for the mass market of young girls.\u00a0 She published nearly 300 works, most notably, Little Women, which was published in 1868.<\/p>\n
In 1932, Florence Allen was appointed to the US Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit after serving on the Ohio Supreme Court.\u00a0 She was the first woman appointed as a federal appeals court judge.\u00a0 Today, 1\/3 of those serving on the US Supreme Court are women.<\/p>\n
In science and technology, Sally Ride was the first American woman in space in 1983.\u00a0 Mae Jemison was the first African-American woman in space just nine years later.<\/p>\n
As a mentor, leader, counselor or otherwise encourager to other women, we assist in unfolding the future for our younger generation.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Inspire them to make a difference and challenge them to reach to higher levels than they ever thought possible.<\/p>\n
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:<\/p>\n