Girl Power: Learning About The Women’s Rights Movement
On Thursday, I took my daughter to Half the Sky Live, a live movie event inspired by the best-selling book that features stories of women who are overcoming oppression.
It was an inspiring program, not least because it was introduced by a Girl Scout Ambassador, a senior in high school, who told my daughter that speaking up for women’s rights through the I Am Powerful CARE initiative is something that she can do too.
It also got me to thinking about ways to share Women’s Rights with my kids on International Women’s Day.
Table of Contents
1. Women Who Rocked The Vote
Check out the new installation at the New York State Museum that features artifacts and images from the Women’s Suffrage movement of the early 20th century. Warning: if you blink, you might miss it. The entire exhibit consists of a wagon and flag, with signs explaining their significance.
2. Day Trip To Women’s Rights National Park
At 3 hours each way, it’s a long drive to Seneca Falls, NY, but I’m told that it’s well worth the effort to visit the site of the Seneca Falls Convention which has been described as the “revolutionary beginning to the struggle by women for complete equality with men.”
Guided tours of Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s House resume this week, but some of the area tours will be closed until May. I’d recommend waiting until June to fully explore this area. (That’s my plan!)
3. Attend A Girl Scout Program
You don’t have to be a Girl Scout, or adult volunteer, to attend a Girl Scout program. Girl Scouts of Northeastern NY hosts a variety of programs throughout the year that are open to girls who are not Girl Scouts.
4. Women’s Voices
Rensselaer County Historical Society – 57 2nd Street, Troy, NY 12180-3928, (518) 272-7232. In addition to museum exhibits, the Rensselaer County Historical Society offers several Women’s History programs. Call or visit the website to find out more.
5. Discover Girl Power Virtually
- Suffrage Wagon News Channel – A labor of love and a valuable historical resource created by descendants of NY suffragettes.
- NOW IS THE TIME!/WOMEN MUST WAIT!: Suffrage Activities in Rensselaer County – an online exhibit by the Rensselaer County Historical Society.
- Women’s Suffrage In New York – How New York’s pioneer feminists fought for women’s rights.
- Girl Museum – Celebrating girlhood worldwide with online exhibits, daily heroines blog, and more.
- The Girl Effect – Learn more, and take action, to promote a better world.
- 2010: Writing Women Back Into History – The National Women’s History Project.
- The Power of Girls – Help the Girl Scouts solve girl’s issues around the world.
- International Women’s Day – Women’s stories and news, in photos and video.
Your turn: What did I miss?
