By Merrill Stein

“… distinguished for insight into human nature, remarkable for independence and courageous self-assertion, devoted to the welfare of her race …”

The quote above, a possible aspiration for women as well as world leaders today, was part of Frederick Douglass’ 1883 eulogy for Sojourner Truth (Russell, D., Black Genius and the American Experience, rev. ed. 2009, p. 419). May it also be a reminder to give thought today to the many struggles and achievements of women world guides, leaders, and innovators. Expand awareness and gain inspiration from the assortment of links below.

Poster from Womens Liberation Workshop in London – Stevenson, Prudence (Wiki Commons)

UN Women is pleased to invite you to the United Nations’ observance of International Women’s Day 2021. The theme is “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world on the way to the Generation Equality Forum.” Here are some links to use as launching off points to learn more about women’s leadership and achievements:

• International Women’s Day news
• Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women
• Forging a gender equal world
• Africa Gender Innovation Lab (GIL)
• Gender Equality – World Bank blogs
• UN Women’s Headquarters
• UN News: Gender equality benefits everyone
• Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, becomes the first African and woman to head the WTO
• NPR celebrates women composers
• Young Inspirational Female Leaders (WEF)
• Council of Women World Leaders
• Psychology’s feminist voices
• Women in U.S. Congress/Senate

Sample some motivating videos from Falvey Library’s Academic Video Online – AVON (Alexander Street Press) database. Not sure what to try, see poet Amanda Gorman as she prepares for election day or view videos relevant to Women’s History Month: Celebrating Artists Who Are Women.

Ready to dig deeper? Jump into our subject guides, which will lead you to even more curated resources!

• Diversity and Inclusion subject guide: https://library.villanova.edu/research/subject-guides/diversity-and-inclusion
• Gender and Women’s Studies guide: https://library.villanova.edu/research/subject-guides/gender-and-womens-studies

Merrill Stein is Political Science Librarian at Falvey Memorial Library.