Looking Forward to Women’s History Month which Honours Inspirational Women and their Impact
Every March across the world, Women’s History Month is celebrated as a dedicated time to recognise the achievements, struggles, and contributions of women throughout history. For educators, it presents a valuable opportunity to inspire pupils and spark important conversations about equality, representation and social progress.
What Is Women’s History Month?
Women’s History Month is an annual, month‑long observance that highlights the role women have played in shaping society. Originating in the United States in the 1980s before being adopted internationally, it serves as an extension of International Women’s Day, celebrated on 8 March each year. In the UK, it offers schools a chance to explore women’s experiences across history, from political activism to scientific discovery, literature, the arts, and beyond.
The month is widely marked by educational events, themed assemblies, exhibitions, classroom projects, and community initiatives. It encourages pupils of all genders to learn about women who may have historically been overlooked or underrepresented.
Why Do We Celebrate It?
Women’s History Month exists to address a long‑standing imbalance in how history has been told. For centuries, the achievements of women were frequently overshadowed or omitted altogether. By spotlighting women’s stories, schools help pupils understand that progress—whether scientific, political, cultural, or social—is the result of many voices, not just the dominant ones recorded in traditional narratives.
Celebrating Women’s History Month helps:
- Promote gender equality by giving visibility to women’s contributions.
- Inspire pupils with diverse role models across disciplines.
- Challenge stereotypes and broaden pupils’ understanding of what women have achieved—and can achieve.
- Strengthen representation so that girls in particular see themselves reflected in positions of influence.
- Encourage critical thinking about fairness, inclusion, and social progress.
For school staff, this is also a chance to embed equality and diversity into the curriculum in meaningful, sustainable ways.
Five Inspirational Women to Explore with Pupils
Below are five remarkable women whose stories can spark curiosity and discussion in both primary and secondary classrooms.
- Mary Seacole (1805–1881) – Nurse, Healer, and Humanitarian
Mary Seacole was a British‑Jamaican nurse who cared for wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. Despite seemingly facing racial prejudice and rejection from the War Office, she funded her own travel and established the “British Hotel” to support soldiers. Her courage and compassion make her a powerful role model for resilience and determination.
- Emmeline Pankhurst (1858–1928) – Leader of the Suffragette Movement
A central figure in securing women’s right to vote in the UK, Emmeline Pankhurst founded the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU), known for its motto “Deeds, not words.” Her activism changed British democracy forever and helped lay the foundations for gender equality today.
- Malala Yousafzai (1997– ) – Education Activist and Nobel Laureate
Malala’s global campaign for girls’ education began in Pakistan, where she advocated for schooling at great personal risk. After surviving an attack by the Taliban, she continued her activism on the world stage. At 17, she became the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize winner and remains a modern icon of courage and advocacy.
- Ada Lovelace (1815–1852) – Pioneer of Computer Science
Often described as the world’s first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace worked with Charles Babbage on his early mechanical computer. She wrote what is considered the first algorithm and was visionary in seeing the potential of computing beyond mathematics. Her work inspires pupils interested in STEM subjects.
- Baroness Doreen Lawrence (1952– ) – Campaigner for Racial Justice
Following the tragic murder of her son Stephen, Doreen Lawrence became a powerful advocate for justice and equality. Her campaigning led to significant reforms in policing and public institutions, and she continues to champion community support, anti‑racism, and fairness.
Women’s History Month is a vibrant opportunity for UK schools to celebrate these stories and many more. By embedding women’s achievements into the curriculum—not just in March but throughout the year—schools help build a more inclusive, informed, and inspired generation of learners.
