Students Take Inspiration From Influential Women During Women's History Month

March 25, 2020

March 1st marked the first day of Women's History Month. Preference is given to herstory, from history and sheroes from heroes. This play on language helps with the month's focus on highlighting and promoting the empowerment of women and girls.

At Léman, we are dedicated to highlighting the works of women throughout herstory. We are using this time to especially emphasize the many ways women in our community and all over the world have and still are instilling positive changes into our society. 

Across divisions, students and faculty are learning about and reflecting on women's accomplishments throughout history. In the Center for Early Childhood, PreK 3 and 4 students were introduced to the legendary artist Frida Kahlo. As they read Frida Kahlo and her Animalitos by Monica Brown, they reflected on her life and legacy and then created art projects based on her portraits. In the Lower School, 3rd-grade girls have been meeting to discuss girls’ empowerment during their mindfulness period. The girls have been discussing issues ranging from the importance of being oneself, confidence, and gender stereotypes. The girls also discussed why role models are important and drew images of their own role models, including women leaders and important women in history as well as some of their own mothers and sisters. 

Woman's Herstory Month, like Black History Month, originated as a week-long celebration and grew into a month. Often marginalized and silenced, women seeking equity and equality in rights and privileges allied for change. In 1978, organizers of The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County (California) Commission on the Status of Women planned and executed a "Women's History Week" celebration. They selected the week of March 8 to correspond with International Women's Day. Soon after, celebrations grew across the U.S. and with the backing of President Carter and subsequent presidents, Woman's Herstory Week became Woman's Herstory Month (circa 198, under Public Law 100-9 passed by Congress).

The 2020 national theme for Women's Herstory Month is The Valiant Women of the Vote in recognition of the 100th year anniversary of the 19th amendment guaranteeing and protecting women's right to vote. The theme pays tribute to all of the women who fought for one another to have the right to vote in the U.S. and includes recognition of women in the 20th and 21st centuries that continue to ensure voting rights for all.

We at Léman also recognize that March coincides with other important celebrations and days of recognition such as Read Across America Day, World Book Day, LGBTQ Health Awareness Week, International Transgender Day of Visibility, Purim and Irish American Heritage Month/St. Patrick's Day.

Throughout March and beyond, we encourage families with children of all ages to continue to learn more through the links above and the following related events and resources.

Social Media Links

WomenInTheWorld -   Facebook/Instagram  

BlackGirlsRock -   Facebook/Instagram  

GirlsWhoCode -   Facebook/Instagram

GirlsReadTheWorld -  Instagram

Literature

Raising Strong Girls 

The Best Feminist Baby Books

Yo Soy Latina! Recommended Books for Women's History Month

25 Children's Picture Books For Women's History Month