International Womens Day

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What words come to mind when you hear “Women’s Rights”?

What is International Women's Day

International Women's Day celebrated annually on March 8, is a global day recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It acts as a focal point for the women's rights movement, raising awareness about gender inequality.

Historical Inequality

in the UK

No Right to Vote

Unequal Pay

Property Rights

Education Barriers

Job Restrictions

Safety and Protection

Gender Roles

1. No Right to Vote (Before 1918)

What was unequal?

Women could not vote in general elections.

They had no say in laws that affected their lives.

Impact:

Women had little political power.

What was unequal?

Domestic violence was often ignored legally in the past.

Sexual harassment was not clearly recognised as a crime.

Impact:

Women had limited legal protection.

Many suffered without support.

What was unequal?

Women were often paid less than men for the same job.

Many higher-paying jobs were closed to women.

Impact:

Women had less financial independence.

Greater risk of poverty, especially for single mothers.

What was unequal? (1800s)

Married women could not own property independently.

A husband controlled money, property, and even children legally.

Impact:

Women were financially dependent on husbands.

Hard to leave unhappy or abusive marriages.

What was unequal?

Girls were often denied access to higher education.

Universities like Oxford and Cambridge did not award full degrees to women until the 20th century.

Impact:

Limited career opportunities.

Reinforced the idea that women belonged only in the home.

What was unequal?

Women were expected to leave work after marriage.

Many professions (law, medicine, politics) excluded women.

What was unequal?

Women were expected to be homemakers and carers.

Men were seen as leaders and breadwinners.

Impact:

Pressure to prioritise family over careers.

Unequal division of unpaid household labour (still relevant today).

Emmeline Pankhurst founded the Suffragettes and fought for women’s right to vote. Her campaigning helped women gain voting rights in the UK.

Do you think men and women are treated equally today?

1

Yes

2

No

3

Not sure

This happened in real life...

A girl was shot for going to school

Do you think these happened 100 years ago or recently?

Women were once banned from running marathons

Some countries still limit girls’ education

A

True

B

False

Jobs

For many decades, women were banned or discouraged from becoming pilots.

Women were banned from voting or standing for office in many countries.

Women were excluded from trades like carpentry, plumbing, and engineering.

Women were banned from attending medical schools and considered unsuitable for the medical profession.

Female doctors faced prejudice and were often limited to nursing or midwifery.

Women were often banned from professional sports or had very limited access.

Societal beliefs suggested women were too weak or delicate for competitive athletics.

Women were banned from becoming lawyers or judges in many countries.

Women were often excluded from universities and labs and discouraged from pursuing scientific careers.

Women were often banned from combat roles and limited to nursing, support, or administrative positions.

Women earn more money than men?

A

True

B

False

Worldwide

• Women earn roughly 20% less than men on average across all jobs.

• This is called the gender pay gap.

Women in the UK got the vote

at the same time as men

A

True

B

False

All men over the age of 21 were allowed to vote in 1918

All women over the age of 21 were allowed to vote in 1928

Activity

How to Play

Guess Who? (Classroom Edition)

📝 Aim of the Game

Guess the person shown on the board behind you by asking the class closed questions (yes/no answers only).

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Rihanna is a Barbadian singer, actress, and entrepreneur known for her global music hits and for founding Fenty Beauty, which revolutionized makeup inclusivity. She has also been recognized for her philanthropy, fashion influence, and empowering women worldwide.

Rhianna

Sabrina Annlynn Carpenter is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She first gained prominence starring as Maya Hart on the Disney Channel series Girl Meets World (2014–2017).

Sabrina Carpenter

The Queen

Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning monarch in British history, serving for 70 years. She guided the UK and the Commonwealth through decades of change, symbolizing stability, duty, and public service.

Beyonce

Beyoncé is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her powerful voice, groundbreaking performances, and influence on pop and R&B music. She is also a prominent advocate for women’s empowerment, social justice, and cultural representation.

Adele

Adele is a British singer and songwriter known for her powerful voice and emotional ballads. She has won multiple Grammy and Academy Awards and is celebrated for her impact on contemporary music worldwide.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson is a British actress and activist, best known for playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films. She is also a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, advocating for gender equality and the HeForShe campaign.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift is an American singer and songwriter known for her storytelling lyrics and genre-spanning music. She has won multiple Grammy Awards and is recognized for her influence on pop culture and advocacy for artists’ rights.