To celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting four leaders who helped pave the way for equal education. Below are some short introductions to these amazing women and their work. Be sure to check out our other posts about daring women throughout history to continue celebrating Women’s History Month this month and yearlong!
Susie King Taylor (1848–1912)
When Susie King Taylor was born into slavery in 1848, it was illegal for enslaved people to be taught how to read or write. However, her grandmother understood the importance of education and sent Susie and her siblings to a secret school for Black children. When Susie was a teenager, she escaped slavery and fled to St. Simon’s Island behind Union Army lines. This is where, at the age of 14, she began the first known free school for African Americans. She also worked for the First South Carolina Volunteers, the first Black regiment in the U.S. Army, and taught soldiers how to read and write. These soldiers were rewarded with full salaries for their work, but Susie was never paid or recognized. Later in life, Susie opened several schools in Georgia. She is the only Black woman to have written about her experiences of the American Civil War.
You can learn more about Susie’s inspiring story in our podcast Unlock This! Be sure to check out Episode 18 | A Civil War Hero: Susie King Taylor
Emma Willard (1787–1870)
Born in 1787, Emma Willard would grow up to become a life-long champion for equal education. She first enrolled in school in 1802 when she was 15 years old. Just two years later, she was a teacher at the same school. By the age of 20, she had become a headmistress. Despite all this success, Emma was dissatisfied with her educational opportunities. Women were limited to the “feminine subjects” of reading, writing, and sewing. Hoping to change this, Emma founded the progressive Middlebury Seminary Academy inside her home. At this academy, women were taught the “masculine” subjects of history, philosophy, and mathematics. With her town’s help, Emma raised enough money to open the Troy Female Seminary in 1821. Due to the school’s success, Emma traveled the country promoting equal education and women’s rights. She even represented the United States at the World’s Educational Convention in 1854.
Hana Te Hemara (1940–1999)
An influential Indigenous rights activist, Hana Te Hemara dedicated her life to advocating for Māori rights and preserving the Māori language of te reo. Hana spoke te reo as a young girl until the Catholic colonial school system banned her from speaking her native tongue. She later became a founding member of Ngā Tamatoa, a Māori rights group, and joined their protests to save te reo. In September of 1972, the group presented a petition with over 30,000 signatures to the New Zealand parliament to revive their language. This petition was a success, and is also why September 14th is Māori Language Day in New Zealand!
Savitribai Phule (1831–1897)
This trailblazing educator is considered one of India’s first feminists. Savitribai Phule grew up under the strict rules of the British Raji at a time when there were no schools for girls in India. Her husband saw her eagerness to learn and taught Savitribai how to read and write. Together, they opened the first school for women in 1848. They believed equality for all could not be achieved until there was education for all.
Educating women, however, was still not socially acceptable in India. Savitribai Phule endured having stones and rotten eggs thrown at her while she walked to her school, but she never let this stop her. By 1852, many more schools had opened. Savitribai continued campaigning for women’s rights, opening shelters, and writing books to help those in need. Today, she is considered one of India’s most influential educators and feminists.
You can learn more about Savitribai Phule in Issue 10 | A Portrait of India!
Looking for stories about women in history? Our magazine is filled with tales of female adventurers—you can subscribe here! And don't forget to check out our podcast Anytime Now and Unlock This! Kids can learn about inspiring women through the sounds and stories of the past.