Celebrating Women’s History Month in Middle School

My grandma lived to be nearly 105 years old. When I compare the world she was born into with the one I was born into—and now the world my daughter has been born into—it’s remarkable to see how women’s roles have evolved for the better with each generation. During Women’s History Month, educators have a unique opportunity to authentically and powerfully showcase these changes. We can help our students understand how the contributions of women have shaped the lives of all people. Women’s history is all our history.

Here are some ideas to help students connect with and celebrate the incredible achievements women have contributed to society, recognize how previous generations paved the way for where we are today, and inspire them to continue advancing women’s roles in the future.

Woman of the Week activity

Women have made significant contributions to every aspect of society, and their stories deserve to be shared year-round, not just during Women’s History Month. A powerful way to do this is by introducing a “Woman of the Week” across all subjects for the entire school year. This initiative can highlight the diverse and impactful roles women have played in shaping our world, providing students with a rich tapestry of role models to learn from and admire.

While it’s encouraging to see a growing emphasis on showcasing women in male-dominated fields, persistent stereotypes can still limit what girls—and boys—perceive as possible. A “Woman of the Week” program can break down these barriers by celebrating women who excel in a variety of disciplines, illustrating that women’s contributions extend far beyond the pages of history books.

This can be done across disciplines. Here are some examples: 

• Math: Share the story of Katherine Johnson, whose groundbreaking work in mathematics was crucial to NASA’s space missions. Use her contributions as a springboard to teach concepts like trajectory calculations or statistical analysis.
• Science: Highlight Rosalind Franklin’s pivotal role in discovering the structure of DNA, and connect her story to lessons on genetics or molecular biology.
• Art: Explore the work of Frida Kahlo, Georgia O’Keeffe, or Faith Ringgold to inspire creativity and discuss how art reflects culture and identity.
• Technology: Feature Ada Lovelace, often regarded as the first computer programmer, and link her achievements to coding and algorithm development.
• Social studies: Dive into the activism of figures like Dolores Huerta or Malala Yousafzai, connecting their work to lessons on civil rights and global change.

By incorporating women’s stories into every subject area, we ensure that students understand the far-reaching impact of women’s contributions. These lessons can help dismantle stereotypes, expand horizons, and encourage students—especially girls—to pursue their interests in any field.

This approach doesn’t just benefit girls; boys and gender nonconforming kids also need to see women as leaders, innovators, and pioneers. By consistently including women’s stories, educators can help normalize women’s achievements as an integral part of our shared narrative, fostering a classroom culture of respect, equity, and aspiration.

Have Kids Share Their Personal Stories

Encouraging students to share personal stories about influential women in their lives is a powerful way to deepen their understanding of women’s contributions to society. This activity not only personalizes the learning experience but also fosters empathy and respect for the challenges women often face and overcome.

For example, I remember my grandmother telling a story about how she traveled cross-country by train when she was in her 20s because she wanted to explore new places. This was very rare back in the 1940s, but I think my grandma’s adventurous spirit and willingness to take risks were passed on to future generations. My sisters and I have all been fortunate enough to solo travel around the world, but we might not have even known that was a possibility if my grandmother hadn’t paved the way. 

By encouraging students to explore and share their own stories, we can help them identify patterns in the challenges these women faced—such as societal expectations, gender discrimination, or cultural barriers—and how they overcame them. These discussions can inspire students to see their own potential and understand the importance of resilience and self-advocacy.

This activity can also be a bridge to discussing broader societal shifts. For example, a grandmother’s story of overcoming cultural norms to pursue an education could spark a conversation about how opportunities for women have expanded over generations. Personal stories make abstract lessons about history and gender equity more tangible and relatable. They remind students that the contributions of women are not just found in textbooks but are woven into their own lives and communities. This storytelling exercise celebrates those contributions while empowering students to reflect on the values of strength, courage, and emotional authenticity.

Exploring the Power of Emotions in women’s leadership

Emotions can be a powerful tool for change. Women leaders often channel their passion and emotions to build a more just society for everyone. When we examine how emotions contribute to leadership, we help challenge the bias that being emotional is a limitation—especially for women.

To encourage children to see emotions as a healthy part of the human experience, you can guide them in an activity exploring the power of emotions in leadership. Start with a class discussion by asking students to reflect on common perceptions about emotions. Questions such as “How do emotions affect decision-making and leadership?” and “What happens when we discourage people from expressing their emotions?” can spark meaningful conversation. Their responses will help frame emotions as a universal human experience that, when harnessed effectively, fosters empathy, creativity, and determination—all of which are key qualities of great leaders. Provide real-world examples of leaders who have used their emotions as a force for positive change.

• Serena Williams channels her passion and determination into excellence on the tennis court, demonstrating resilience and strength.
• Jacinda Ardern led New Zealand with empathy and calm during crises, showing how emotional intelligence fosters trust and unity.
• Malala Yousafzai transformed her personal experiences and deep emotional connection to education into a global movement for girls’ rights.

Encourage students to reflect on how these leaders demonstrate that emotions are an asset, not a weakness. By exploring these examples, students learn that expressing emotions does not make someone less capable; it can make them more relatable, inspiring, and driven. Recognizing global examples of women in leadership allows students to see that leadership is not defined by gender but by vision, resilience, and the ability to connect with others.

By engaging in these discussions, students develop emotional intelligence, recognize leadership as a skill that transcends gender, and appreciate the role of emotions in driving meaningful change. This approach not only dismantles harmful stereotypes but also fosters a classroom culture where emotional expression is valued and celebrated by everyone—regardless of gender.

Even though there is still work to be done before all women can fully experience a life of freedom and respect, great strides have been made through education, hard work, and reshaping the lens through which society views women. Although we are living in a time when women are more commonly seen in positions of power, there is still work to do in educating our students on how to ensure that women’s place in society remains strong.