National Women's History Museum

Thank you to Visionary Sponsor Dr. Nancy O'Reilly, Psy.D's Women Connect4Good for helping us inspire and empower the next generation of change makers through their generous support of our upcoming Women Making History Awards Gala! #WMH2025 #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenConnect4Good

Young women and girls have made clear—in their own words—what they need to succeed. Now it's up to all of us to ensure their voices are heard. Head to sheisnotafootnote.org to read our blueprint for change—the Young Women and Girls' Aspiration Report—and learn how we can break down the barriers that are preventing the next generation of leaders from achieving their full potential. #SheIsNotAFootnote

Happy #NationalBarbieDay! ?? An American icon, blockbuster movie star, and source of representation for millions of girls, Barbie was first introduced to the world #OnThisDay in 1959 at the American International Toy Fair in New York. #Barbie's creation is credited to Ruth Handler, who was inspired to create the doll after seeing her daughter, Barbara, put different outfits on her paper dolls. Handler realized that girls needed a toy that would allow them to imagine different futures for themselves, whether that be an astronaut, a teacher, an Olympic athlete, or the first woman President of the United States. We are proud to honor Mattel, Inc. at our upcoming Women Making History Awards on March 20th with our inaugural Evelyn Y. Davis Women Making History Corporate Changemaker Award, which recognizes companies that serve as catalysts for change through a demonstrated commitment to gender equity, representation, and inclusion. The award will be accepted by Mattel EVP and Chief Brand Officer Lisa McKnight. Learn more about the#WMH25 gala and buy your tickets before midnight tonight! onecau.se/nwhmgala #WomensHistoryMonth

On this #InternationalWomensDay, we want to hear from YOU! ?? Post our above graphic on your own account, share your hopes for the future, and declare your place in history with our #IAmNotAFootnote hashtag so we can repost ?? Ready to dive deeper? Download our Young Women and Girls' Aspiration Report and share it with your friends and family, so they can be inspired to join the cause, too: www.sheisnotafootnote.org #SheIsNotAFootnote

Who will finally achieve gender parity? Not your daughter, not your granddaughter, not your great-granddaughter, but your great-great granddaughter. That's right, that's four generations from now. The World Economic Forum (WEF) reports North America has closed 75% of the economic gender gap. Sounds like progress, right? Think again. The 2023 WEF report estimated it would take 95 years to reach full gender parity—but in 2024, that number jumped to 106 years. Instead of moving forward, women are falling behind. On this #InternationalWomensDay, let’s stop debating whether women belong at the table and start ensuring they have a seat. Structural barriers must be dismantled, policies must change, and society must stop treating equality like an eventual inevitability rather than an urgent necessity. Read our blueprint for action—the Young Women and Girls’ Aspiration Report—and join the cause: www.sheisnotafootnote.org. #SheIsNotaFootnote #IWD25 #WomensHistoryMonth

When I joined the National Women’s History Museum, I did so because I knew this: ?? There is a consequence to NOT teaching young boys and girls about women’s achievements. ?? That consequence? When children don’t see women in history books, leadership, or the stories that shape our world, they subconsciously assume women are less capable. That belief doesn’t stay in childhood—it follows them into higher education, boardrooms, policies, and workplaces. ?? The result? Women in the U.S. are still 106 years away from full gender parity. But what does that mean—beyond the fact that it clearly stinks? It means we’re failing as a country to tap into our best minds to solve our greatest challenges. When women are left out, we all lose—in innovation, leadership, and the economic strength needed to build a better future. ?? And yet, when we asked Americans in October 2024, 54% believed we had already achieved gender equality. ?? Not only do we have a problem—most people don’t even realize it exists. ?????? That’s why today, I’m proud to share the launch of SHE IS NOT A FOOTNOTE… and neither are you. ?? This isn’t just a campaign. It’s a plan to highlight the urgency of women’s underrepresentation—not just in history books, but across our country—and to shift the trajectory of gender representation in America. And we’re starting where change always starts—with young women and girls. Our new report, The Young Women and Girls' Aspiration Report, captures their voices, challenges, and solutions. Their message is clear: ?? 89% believe men still hold most of the advantages in the workforce. ?? 77% worry about access to healthcare. ?? 65% want to be more involved in politics—but see systemic barriers in their way. ?? Women are earning more degrees than men—but still making less than male counterparts with lower education levels. This isn’t just a women’s issue. It’s a national issue. But research alone isn’t enough—we need action. Here’s how you can join the cause: ?? Learn More Download The Young Women and Girls’ Report here: SheIsNotAFootnote.org ?? Take Action Share the report with others and post your support on your social channels. ?? Donate Today Every dollar fuels programs that give young women the tools and inspiration to lead. Support this work here: SheIsNotAFootnote.org Let’s rewrite the narrative—so women are not just a footnote in history, but a force in the future. #SheIsNotAFootnote #WomensHistoryMonth #RepresentationMatters #GenderEquality #YoungWomenLead National Women's History Museum, Susan D Whiting , Singleton McAllister, Jamie Wang Coss, Lisa Marsh Ryerson, Tena Clark, Dr. Nancy O'Reilly, Psy.D, Cheri Kaufman, Ainsley MacLean, M.D., Stephanie Mineo, Joyce Winnecke, Mónica Gil , Mary Smith, Women Economic Forum (WEF), Chief, Mount Saint Mary’s University, DoSomething Strategic, Joanne McEachen, Rosie Rios, Lori Ann Terjesen, Ph.D., Jennifer Condon, MBA, PMP, Jennifer Herrera, Ms. Magazine

Last call for tickets! Our Women Making History Awards Gala is right around the corner! Join us on Thursday, March 20 in Washington, DC for an inspiring evening that celebrates extraordinary, trailblazing women who have made profound contributions to society. Each ticket supports our important work to empower the next generation of leaders, change agents, and history makers through pioneering research; innovative and accessible programing, events, and exhibitions; and free resources for educators and learners of all ages. This year's incredible honorees are Dr. Opal, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth”; Sara Blakely, inventor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist; and Shirley Welsh Ryan, advocate for transformative research and education. In addition, Mattel, Inc. will receive our inaugural Evelyn Y. Davis Corporate Changemaker Award for the societal impact of its brands—like Barbie—on generations of girls, and its purpose to empower all to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s EVP and Chief Brand Officer, will accept the award on the company’s behalf. The program will be hosted by CBS News award-winning journalist Norah O’Donnell. Learn more and buy your tickets today. Ticket sales close Sunday at midnight: https://lnkd.in/gM_CtCRh

When I joined the National Women’s History Museum, I did so because I knew this: ?? There is a consequence to NOT teaching young boys and girls about women’s achievements. ?? That consequence? When children don’t see women in history books, leadership, or the stories that shape our world, they subconsciously assume women are less capable. That belief doesn’t stay in childhood—it follows them into higher education, boardrooms, policies, and workplaces. ?? The result? Women in the U.S. are still 106 years away from full gender parity. But what does that mean—beyond the fact that it clearly stinks? It means we’re failing as a country to tap into our best minds to solve our greatest challenges. When women are left out, we all lose—in innovation, leadership, and the economic strength needed to build a better future. ?? And yet, when we asked Americans in October 2024, 54% believed we had already achieved gender equality. ?? Not only do we have a problem—most people don’t even realize it exists. ?????? That’s why today, I’m proud to share the launch of SHE IS NOT A FOOTNOTE… and neither are you. ?? This isn’t just a campaign. It’s a plan to highlight the urgency of women’s underrepresentation—not just in history books, but across our country—and to shift the trajectory of gender representation in America. And we’re starting where change always starts—with young women and girls. Our new report, The Young Women and Girls' Aspiration Report, captures their voices, challenges, and solutions. Their message is clear: ?? 89% believe men still hold most of the advantages in the workforce. ?? 77% worry about access to healthcare. ?? 65% want to be more involved in politics—but see systemic barriers in their way. ?? Women are earning more degrees than men—but still making less than male counterparts with lower education levels. This isn’t just a women’s issue. It’s a national issue. But research alone isn’t enough—we need action. Here’s how you can join the cause: ?? Learn More Download The Young Women and Girls’ Report here: SheIsNotAFootnote.org ?? Take Action Share the report with others and post your support on your social channels. ?? Donate Today Every dollar fuels programs that give young women the tools and inspiration to lead. Support this work here: SheIsNotAFootnote.org Let’s rewrite the narrative—so women are not just a footnote in history, but a force in the future. #SheIsNotAFootnote #WomensHistoryMonth #RepresentationMatters #GenderEquality #YoungWomenLead National Women's History Museum, Susan D Whiting , Singleton McAllister, Jamie Wang Coss, Lisa Marsh Ryerson, Tena Clark, Dr. Nancy O'Reilly, Psy.D, Cheri Kaufman, Ainsley MacLean, M.D., Stephanie Mineo, Joyce Winnecke, Mónica Gil , Mary Smith, Women Economic Forum (WEF), Chief, Mount Saint Mary’s University, DoSomething Strategic, Joanne McEachen, Rosie Rios, Lori Ann Terjesen, Ph.D., Jennifer Condon, MBA, PMP, Jennifer Herrera, Ms. Magazine

At the National Women’s History Museum, we have always been dedicated to uncovering, preserving, and amplifying the stories of women throughout history—because when women’s achievements are overlooked, their contributions to society are diminished. But history isn’t just about the past. The underrepresentation of women in history books has contributed to the inequities we see today: ?? The U.S. is still 106 years away from gender parity, according to the World Economic Forum. ?? 54% of Americans believe we’ve already achieved gender equity—but we haven’t. ??Women remain underrepresented in politics, economic leadership, STEM, and beyond—affecting innovation, progress, and national security. That is why today we are launching She is Not a Footnote*—a bold, transformative campaign to show the direct link between women’s invisibility in history and the gaps in representation we see today. To create change, we must first understand what young women need in order to see themselves as future leaders. Our first major initiative in this campaign is the Young Women and Girls’ Aspiration Report, a groundbreaking study that reveals the barriers they face—and their suggestions for the steps we must take to help them succeed. Learn more, download the report, share with your friends and family, and join the cause: https://lnkd.in/enxNqkGr #SheIsNotAFootnote #WomensHistoryMonth

"When the National Women's History Museum honors trailblazing women at its annual awards gala in Washington, D.C., in March, two trailblazing Denison University women will be front and center. Susan D Whiting ’78 is chair of the board of the innovative, virtual-first museum dedicated to revealing and celebrating women’s contributions to society. Lisa McKnight ’90, executive vice president and chief brand officer of Mattel, Inc., will accept the inaugural Evelyn Y. Davis Women Making History Corporate Changemaker Award on behalf of her employer." Read more: https://lnkd.in/dwtJvTdj Purchase tickets to the gala: https://onecau.se/nwhmgala