March is Women’s History Month in the United States. When it comes to Women’s History Month, there is so much to celebrate – including International Women’s Day 2021 on March 8th! And there are so many opportunities to learn. I love getting the chance to teach my daughter about the incredible women who forged a path forward for women’s rights. We’ve got a ways to go yet, but it feels good to honor the empowered people who contributed to our progress. And these 5 ways to celebrate Women’s History Month with your kids will help you do just that!
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Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month originated in the United States as Women’s History Week, back in 1978. The entire month of March was later established as Women’s History Month in 1987. Check out the video below from PBS Kids for a quick rundown on the history of Women’s History Month.
International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day (#IWD2021) is on March 8th, 2021. According to the International Women’s Day Wikipedia page, the day’s origins began “after the Socialist Party of America organized a Women’s Day in New York City on February 28, 1909, German delegates Clara Zetkin, Käte Duncker, Paula Thiede and others proposed at the 1910 International Socialist Woman’s Conference that “a special Women’s Day” be organized annually.”
The following year, International Women’s Day (IWD) was observed for the first time in 1911. The day was intended to promote the women’s rights movement and to gain momentum for women’s suffrage. PBS Kids details the history of the day in the short video below.
This year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge, and according to the International Women’s Day website, the theme is about taking ownership of your own role in challenging inequality:
We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements.
Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world. From challenge comes change, so let’s all choose to challenge.
-International Women’s Day Website
Today, International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month are celebrated in a number of ways. Although many corporations use them for promotion, wrapping their products in messages of female empowerment, many major nonprofit organizations use them as a platform to raise awareness around current women’s issues.
Why Celebrate Women’s History Month
No matter what your child’s age or gender, celebrating Women’s History Month can be so much fun. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use family rituals show your kids how far women have come. You can also raise awareness about current women’s issues that still need attention.
Regardless of how you choose to honor women’s history in your family, International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month provide helpful reminders to celebrate. Like all family rituals, those built around Women’s History Month give you a chance to model core values for your kids. You can use rituals to teach them about civil rights, liberty, and equality.
During Women’s History Month, let us honor the accomplished and visionary women who have helped build our country, including those whose contributions have not been adequately recognized and celebrated.
A Proclamation on Women’s History Month [March 1st, 2021] –Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
5 Ways to Celebrate Women’s History Month with Your Kids
I love that I get the chance to teach my daughter about women’s history. In my opinion, it’s never too early to start. Here are 5 fun ways to celebrate Women’s History Month with your kids this year!
1. Educate Your Kids on Women’s History
When it comes to teaching your kids the important stuff, there is no easier way to grab their attention than with YouTube videos. So, I compiled a list of awesome (and short) YouTube videos on women’s history in honor of Women’s History Month. Here is a good one from Fresberg Cartoon on the women’s suffrage movement:
And here are some more excellent educational videos for kids to check out during Women’s History Month:
- Women in science who changed the world
- History-Making American Women | History Channel
- She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World
- Top 10 Firsts For Women In History
- The Story of Women’s Rights in Early America (Part 1)
- The Story of Women’s Rights in Early America (Part 2)
- Susan B. Anthony for Kids
- Who was the First Black Congresswoman? Untold Black History Stories: Shirley Chisholm Biography
2. Watch Inspiring Films About Persistent Women
There’s nothing that moves me quite like a film with inspiring characters who overcome great obstacles. Not only do the movies on this list fit that description, but they are critically-acclaimed films as well.
- Iron-Jawed Angels (2004)(TV-14) – an amazing film about the women’s suffrage movement
- Hidden Figures (2016)(PG) – an incredible and previously untold true story about three women at NASA who had pivotal roles in the launch of John Glenn into orbit
- A League of Their Own (1992)(PG) – a fantastic and hilarious film about the All-American Girls Baseball League
- RBG (2018)(PG) – an inspiring documentary about Supreme Court Justice and women’s rights activist, Ruth Bader Ginsberg
- Knock Down the House (2019)(PG) – an inspiring look at the 2018 midterm elections that tipped the balance of power
- Far From Heaven (2003)(PG-13) – a film that offers a glimpse into another time and one “perfect” family’s experience of bias and discrimination
- On the Basis of Sex (2019)(PG-13) – the amazing true story of a young Ruth Bader Ginsberg and her groundbreaking case that overturned a century of gender discrimination
- Moana (2016)(PG) – OK, while not technically based on a true story, Moana’s tale is definitely worth a watch for its strong themes of female empowerment (plus the music is amazing, too!)
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3. Read Books Together on Historical Women
I love reading with my daughter. It’s become such an integral ritual in our family, we’ve got books in every room! We’ve been reading at bedtime since she was an infant and it’s fostered such a love for reading and learning in her. So, it’s no surprise that I believe a well-written children’s book is the best way to teach your kids about powerful women.
Here is a list of our favorite books on women’s history – from our family to yours:
- Lady Legends Alphabet Book by Beck Feiner (perfect for all ages)
This amazing book not only teaches your child the letters of the alphabet, but each letter features a different empowered woman from history. Our daughter loves this book! The artwork is great, too! Get it here on Amazon.
- This Little Trailblazer: A Girl Power Primer by Joan Holub (ages 3-5)
This gorgeous board book highlights ten truly influential women in easy to understand language for toddlers and preschoolers. Colorful artwork and exceptionally written! Get it here on Amazon.
- Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World by Kate Pankhurst (ages 2-6)
This incredible board book for younger children includes interesting facts about extraordinary women who had major impact on our world. From Rosa Parks to Anne Frank to Jane Austen, this eye-catching book covers a diverse range of strong and brilliant women throughout history. Get it here on Amazon.
- She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World by Chelsea Clinton (ages 4-8)
This fabulous book about persistent women throughout history is an incredible teaching tool for parents and teachers alike. Not only does it detail the fascinating lives of 13 empowered women, but it also explores the feminist ideals of equality and activism. Get it here on Amazon.
For more children’s books on empowerment, check out 17 Children’s Books About Female Empowerment!
4. Sport Your Support
Another great way to celebrate Women’s History Month is to don clothing that captures the spirit of the month. Show your support for women’s rights with this awesome and inspiring gear! Wear it all year long!
I love this artist-designed Ruth Bader Ginsberg quote t-shirt from ArisaApriliaa. Get it here on Etsy.
I’m also a big fan of this girl power (GRLPWR) t-shirt from Kool Kiddoz. Get it here on Etsy.
This female empowerment shirt from Sweetheartistic is super cool, too. Get it here on Etsy.
This International Women’s Day Shirt from KynYouBelieveIt is beautiful! Get it here on Etsy.
And this shirt from Old Navy honors International Women’s Day 2021. The kids’ shirt is only $6! Get yourself a shirt to match, too!
5. Create Your Own Mission for Change in Your Family
One important way to make the most of your Women’s History Month celebration is to impact social change. Here are a few ideas on how your family can support the empowerment of women around the world:
- Donate to Charities that Support Female Empowerment – Charities like Equality Now, Womankind Worldwide, and Dress for Success are all empowerment-centered organizations that are worthy of your consideration.
- Support Woman-Owned Business – Shopping women-owned shops on Etsy, for example, is an easy way to show your support. Check out this post on Etsy’s Global Community of Fearless Women.
- Volunteer in Your Community – Use Volunteer Match to find local volunteer opportunities in your area.
- Mobilize with LiveYourDream.org – With the help of this amazing organization, you can choose how and when you would like to make a difference in the lives of women who need support.
More Resources
If you are interested in learning more about women’s history in the United States, here are a few resources to continue your education:
- National Women’s History Museum
- History.com Women’s History Month
- PBS What to Watch: Women’s History Month
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you and your family have an excellent and fulfilling Woman’s History Month!
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