March 8th is International Women’s Day! This global holiday brings attention to the Women’s Rights Movement and celebrates the many amazing contributions that girls and women bring to the world. It’s also a great opportunity to talk with children about influential women and how they make an impact on our lives.

This International Women’s Day, check out these 10 inspiring women with your child and notice which influential people they’re most interested in. Plus, you might find a new hobby or passion for your child to get involved with!

 

10 International Women’s Day role models 

1. Dr. Katya Echazarreta

Dr. Katya Echazarreta is the first Mexican-born woman ever to go to space! Incredibly, she was selected from a pool of 7,000 applicants to join Jeff Bezo’s Blue Origin trip to space. She is an electrical engineer, science show host, speaker, and activist!

 

Activities for innovative engineers

Is your child drawn to the accomplishments of Dr. Echazarreta? Perhaps they are destined for outer space or have a passion for engineering! 

Check out this episode of the Lingokids Growin’ Up podcast, where our host, Emily Calandrelli (also a space enthusiast and MIT engineer), interviews Dr. Echazarreta on what it takes to travel into space!

 

2. Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman shows us that poets and writers can be famous too! The first person to be named Youth Poet Laureate, Amanda is a performer, activist, and inspiring woman. She performed her poems at the 2020 Presidential Inauguration and the 2021 Super Bowl. 

 

Activities for Poetic leaders

If your children love reading and writing, they might be a poetic leader like Gornan! Together, you can write a poem about your family or listen to the Lingokids “Rhyme Time” song to practice poetic devices! 

 

3. Malala Yousafzai

Malala is the world’s youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner and founder of the Malala Fund. She works to help increase girls’ access to education in Pakistan. Malala can help your kids learn about the fight for equal education in countries around the world.

 

Activities for young educators

If your child gravitates towards Malala’s story, they might be a young educator! 

Check out this episode of the Lingokids Growin’ Up podcast, where our host interviews a school principal for tips on how children can start getting involved in the world of education.

 

4. Megan Rapinoe

Megan Rapinoe helped the United States women’s national soccer team become World Cup Champions in 2019. She fights for equal pay for men and women in sports. One of Megan’s most inspiring quotes is, “Don’t settle for anything less, go for equal, go for more!” 

 

Activities for athletic inspirers

If your young learner is interested in Megan’s accomplishments, they may be on their way to becoming an athletic advocate as well! 

Check out this episode of the Lingokids Growin’ Up podcast, where our host interviews another inspiring female athlete (Hezly Rivera) about what kids can do to reach their dreams of making it in the world of sports.

 

5. Jessica Nabongo

Jessica Nabongo is a world traveler, blogger, and entrepreneur. She was the first Black woman to travel to every country in the world! Nabongo teaches children that there are amazing discoveries to be made all over our planet. 

 

Activities for world travelers

Is your child curious about Nabongo’s incredible journey around the world? They might be an adventurous spirit too. Check out this episode of the Lingokids Growin’ Up podcast, where Nabongo shares advice on how kids can follow in her courageous footsteps.

 

6. Dr. Amani Ballour

Dr. Amani Ballour founded an underground war hospital in Syria, a country where it is uncommon for women to be doctors. She shows children that if they work hard, anything is possible!

 

Activities for magnificent medical workers

If your child is inspired by Dr. Ballour, they may be interested in helping others! Ask if there are any toys or books that they’d like to donate to a local children’s hospital as a special way to contribute. 

 

7. Melinda French Gates

A philanthropist and business leader in the tech industry, Melinda not only co-leads The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, but also leads her own company, which promotes women in tech. 

 

Activities for tech creators 

Show your kids where a job in tech could take them. 

Look for local STEM workshops for kids in your community and listen to the Lingokids “Code Masters” song.

 

8. Bri Scalesse

As a high fashion model and a person with disabilities, Bri Scalesse is living her childhood dream by cruising runways and working with big brands. She champions and fights for the representation of models like herself in the fashion industry! 

 

Activities for unstoppable advocates

Is your child inspired by Scalesse’s story? Check out this episode of the Lingokids Growin’ Up podcast, where our host interviews Scalesse about her experience around issues that affect people with disabilities. 

 

9. Greta Thunberg

Greta is an 18-year-old climate activist from Sweden. Check out her nonprofit #FridaysForFuture campaign and talk with your child about ways they want to help protect the environment. 

 

Activities for environment enthusiasts

Does your child seem interested in Greta’s work? Perhaps you’ve got an environment enthusiast on your hands! 

Together you can practice recycling and sign up for outdoor clean-up events in your community. Plus, they might enjoy this episode of the Lingokids Stories for Kids podcast, where the Lingokids characters learn all about recycling.

 

10. Anna Whitehouse

Anna Whitehouse is a professional journalist based in London who knows how to get the scoop and check the facts before releasing a big story.  In addition, Whitehouse hosts her own podcast, Mother Pukka, and is an inspiration for parents!

 

Activities for helpful humanitarians

If your child is compassionate about helping others by spreading news, you might have a young journalist on your hands! 

Check out this episode of the Lingokids Growin’ Up podcast where our host interviews Whitehouse on what it takes for kids to be a journalist!

 

International Women’s Day and Lingokids

 

Interested in learning more about how Lingokids helps families raise amazing children? Download the app and check out more content on our YouTube channels. 

Are there any other inspiring women we should add to our list for International Women’s Day? Let us know by commenting below!