Launching the HERstory Campaign

Women have been kept from contributing to History-making, that is, the ordering and interpretation of the past of humankind. Since this process of meaning-giving is essential to the creation and perpetuation of civilization, we can see that at once women’s marginality in this endeavor places us in a unique and segregate position. Women are the majority, yet we are structured into social institutions as though we were a minority” (Lerner, The Creation of Patriarchy).

Women have always contributed to the advancement of humanity, but our world has been framed within a patriarchal construct. What has been written and recorded throughout history about women's contributions has been minimal. Those in control or in power have chosen what gets recorded in history, and because decision making is often dominated by men, women’s contributions have frequently been overlooked. However, social history has been an influential aspect of learning about the lives of our foremothers which has also given valuable insight into the oppression and inequalities that women have endured throughout time.

The power of the written and recorded word is profound. It shapes our self-worth, “The contradiction between women’s centrality and active role in creating society and their marginality in the meaning-giving process of interpretation and explanation has been a dynamic force, causing women to struggle against their condition.” (Lerner, The Creation of Patriarchy). Women cannot fully empower themselves with the belief that their contributions are only marginally involved in the development of humanity. Women are not insignificant contributors but are often omitted from written history. By recognizing and celebrating their meaningful contributions, and constructing a new model without a biased framework for valuing them truthfully, women can write their contributions back into the history books.

Empower Women in collaboration with Global Champions for Women’s Economic Empowerment: Nelly Andrade, Melanie Bublyk, Hala Bugaighis, Aleksandra Byers, Liz Guantai, Ana Espinosa, Badejoko Fabamise, Clarissa Rios Rojas, Gladys Muthara, Sabin Muzaffar, are proud to launch the #HERstory digital media campaign.

#HERstory will honor the women who have shaped humanity and history in all fields. This campaign strives to recognize the achievements and contributions of extraordinary women who have made a significant difference.

We will use (hashtag) #HERstory, highlighting ways in which women’s history has always existed, because through women’s history, we can continue to be inspired by powerful legacies. Selected #HERStory campaign stories will be translated into Arabic and Spanish and featured via EmpowerWomen.org Arabic and EmpowerWomen.org Spanish.                    

HERE YOU CAN ENGAGE AND JOIN THE CAMPAIGN:

1.Research women’s contributions throughout history from your region in all fields. Prepare as many stories as you would like, with a photo and photo credit. Share an edited, 500 word article on the Story Page with this format:

- Headline:  Her Story in History #HERstory

- Subheading: Name, years living (Elizabeth Maria Tall Chief 1925-2013)

- Brief Title: America's Prima Ballerina (Describing her field contribution)

2.Share your stories on your own social media outlets (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) and email.

3.Get updates from the campaign by following Empower Women on Facebook and Twitter and repost and retweet the campaign messages. Let’s create momentum together!

We are looking forward to your participation and active engagement in the campaign! Let’s make #HERstory together and celebrate extraordinary visionary women throughout time and history.

 #HERstory stories:

Huda Shaarwai: A Rebel With Just Cause

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  • Lisa heven
    These are actually wonderful ideas. You have touched some nice things here. Any way keep up wrinting.
    I enjoy what you guys are usually sharing.
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  • Jonh Braves
    I believe there are many other people who are interested in them just like me! How long does it take to complete this article? I have read through other blogs, but they are cumbersome and confusing. I hope you continue to have such quality articles to share with everyone!
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  • This is so fun! What a great idea. Also I love how authentic you seem to be. Your style and passion for blogging is contagious. Thank you for sharing your life!

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  • It's great because of the knowledge you share with us, I will always follow your blog and will share your blog with my friends

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  • Marcia Skervin
    I would love to participate in this campaign, and highlight same throughout Jamaica and the Caribbean
  • Achia Nila
    I loved to participate in this campaign! :) What is the procedure... 
  • caroline nyakeri
    This is nice! Finally womens" recognition even posthumously. Lesson: Nothing is in vain.
  • Anika Subah Ahmad
    Geat! Loved to participate in this campaign! :)
  • Cristina Lasagni
    In participating to this campaign, I was surprised to discover how powerful the story of women is. My #HerStory was about a doctor that change the way schools teach to children. Amazing seeing how a women in the early stage of the 20th century could achieve this all by herself, across countries, politics and dictatorships. Great resepct for all women. Let's be loud about it!
  • Munashe Sharon Nyatanga
    One of the moments i am proud of technology as we get to celebrate women who were either not acknowledged for their works or are not celebrated enough. Either way, hoper we learn something new from achother and from these women
  • Jessica Foumena
    It was very helpful to have an example at the end. Thank you! 
  • Dr Rejoice Shumba
    What a great initiative. I will definitely be submitting a few stories of inspiring women that I know.
    1 of 1 Replies
  • Adekemi Adeduntan
    Yes we need to tell the stories.The contribution of women in all spheres of human endeavour cannot be overemphasized.
  • Moureen Njule Eseme
    Fantastic campaign
  • Uzoma Katchy
    This is a wonderful initiative.  Women will get the recognition and honour  they .deserve.
  • EVELYN IFEYINWA EZEAGU
    I quite agree with you, in every history book, only few women were mentioned. Now that we are taking the center stage, we are going to re-write the history books. Thanks for the explanation.
  • Annah Bengesai
    Great initiative. There are so many untold stories that could inspire others. 
    • Munashe Sharon Nyatanga
      https://twitter.com/Royale_Sharon/status/803903094492798976 I have created a pretty cool poster to raise awareness on world AIDS day and will be sharing facts about it at my institution tomorrow. Apart formt hat I will be fundraising for an event for 9March which is the official International Women's Day. What are youguys doing for #WorldAIDSDay? Maybe we could exchange ideas. All the best !
    1 of 1 Replies
  • Abiodun essiet
    Great story, well explained 
  • Ogbeyalu Okoye
    This is really inspiring. Women need to be recognized for the work they do all over the world. 
  • Olga Rajchikj
    Inspiring project! Hope I can contribute to this platform and spread some word of mouth.
  • Imbasi winifred
    Nice,ready to make HERstory known globally.....
  • Dunia Tegegn
    Great and inspiring . I am sharing stories of women who have devoted thier entire life for other women.
  • BELLY ORONDO
    This is so inspiring,i am sharing stories of all the women i look up to in my counrty whose life stories have really mentored me.
  • Sophie Ngassa
    “The worst thing that we can do as women is not stand up for each other, and this is something we can practice every day, no matter where we are and what we do."
  • Joannes Paulus
    This is so inspiring to us young men because it shows to the world that women and girls have a story to tell. This makes me reflect on mylast visit to Niger this year where 75% of the girls are married off before their 15th birthday. I met teens who could not take care of themselves carrying babies but I was very inpired by their stories of resilence and HOPE
  • Anggi Nurqonita
    This is such an effective way to inspire girls and women :)
  • Lembie Mmereki
    I love this so much! I cannot wait to celebrate my SHEroes!!
  • Titilayo Ogunbambi
    There is no better way to encourage women to learn and grow......Good initiative
  • Ijeoma Obiajunwa-Ajiamah
    This is a grand idea. 
    Hmmmmmmmmm. 
    Finally, women are beginning to tell their stories. 
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