Female role models
Through their work and commitment, a vast number of women have helped to create a better society. Is it also possible for me to contribute meaningfully for others?
Quick facts
Activity goals
- To raise awareness that each individual is important and can influence society.
- To impart knowledge about women who have made important contributions.
- To inspire action and activism.
Preparations
A presentation of female role models, if the facilitator wants to include this as a summary.
Instructions
- The facilitator introduces: Many women have made a positive contribution that has inspired others. They are role models. They have done something positive for their family, their local community, their country or even the world. Each of you will now think about women you believe are good role models. They may be famous national or international figures, but they could just as easily be a relative, neighbour or good friend. You are to answer three questions for each of them (5 minutes):
1. Who is this person?
2. What kind of positive things have they done?
3. What can we learn? - When the participants have finished, they assemble in groups of four to six. Each participant then tells the others about their role models. Then the group must agree on two of the role models to be presented in a plenary session. On the flip-over sheet the group must respond to the same three questions about the two role models: 1. Who is this person?
2. What kind of positive things have they done?
3. What can we learn? - The groups present in a plenary session.
Reflection
- Have you learnt something new?
- Have you thought about female role models before? Are the majority of the role models that are presented to us in the news or in our history classes and other subjects in school men or women?
- Is it important to focus on female role models? How can this be important for young girls and boys?
- Have you ever considered whether you are a role model for others?
Debriefing
Many women have made important contributions throughout history. Some receive national or international recognition, while others are appreciated in daily life by family and/or the local community. We should allow ourselves to be inspired by them. Each of them is important in our own social circle and can inspire others. Women can achieve!
Tips to the facilitator
The facilitator can display pictures of well-known women and inform about their backgrounds and contributions. Good examples: Marie Curie, Eglantyne Jebb, Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, Simone de Beauvoir, Shirin Ebadi, Nadia Murad and Kamala Harris.
(English translation: John Anthony)
