Women's History Month

Women have been influencing history and shaping culture for as long as humans have walked the Earth, but many important contributions by women are left out of standard curricula. In honor of Women’s History month in March, we’re highlighting some smart and creative women who are making their mark. From ancient times to today, historical icons to regular people, engineering to arts to politics, there’s a lot to cover so let’s dive in!

[Jump to the Influential Women playlist]

What is Women’s History Month?

In 1911, the United States introduced International Women’s Day. It was largely ignored though, until March 8th, 1969 when a march was organized in Berkeley, California to recognize the day. This event, combined with extensive archival work by the Women’s History Research Center, spread awareness about International Women’s Day and inspired more people to celebrate it. 

In 1978, the Sonoma School District in Sonoma County, California began recognizing the whole week of March 8th as Women’s History Week. This quickly grew to become a national event by 1980 and by 1987, the United States was celebrating Women’s History Month. These days, the United Nations and many of its member countries observe Women’s History Month in March, to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8th.

How Do We Celebrate Women’s Month?

A classic place to start for Women’s Month topics in the United States would be women’s suffrage. This Encyclopedia Britannica video mixes a modern interview with historic images to depict how the movement to give women the right to vote began small in the 1840s and grew in numbers, momentum, and approach, resulting in daily picketing at the White House in the years leading up to the ratification of the 19th amendment in August of 1920.

Full video: Britannica Insights: Women's Suffrage Movement (Encyclopaedia Britannica)

STEM is an important and fast-growing field. While it’s historically male-dominated, women have been key players in all aspects of STEM for ages. SciShow explores the contributions of five groundbreaking women in engineering, from the Hollywood star who came up with the concept of secure Wi-Fi connection to an innovator in stem cell technology.

Full video: 5 Groundbreaking Women in Engineering (SciShow)

It wouldn’t be a full history course if we didn’t discuss war and trade. Zheng Yi Sao, pirate queen of the South China Sea, amassed wealth and influenced the movement of goods with her well-choreographed and fearsome raids.

Full video: Zheng Yi Sao Takes Control of the South China Seas

Boudica was an Iceni queen who led the Celts in an epic series of battles against the Romans. While the Celts ultimately lost the battle, Boudica is remembered as a fearsome warrior and inspirational leader. A statue of her and her daughters stands in London today, marking the first city Boudica and her army seized.

Full video: History & Facial Reconstructions of the Celtic Rebel & British Hero (Royalty Now)

For more videos about women’s history for all ages, explore the full Influential Women playlist or search on your own at boclips.com/classroom

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