The Herstory Education Trust has joined forces with the Heroines!, a worldwide collaboration between scientists, writers, artists, designers and makers. 

Together we’re creating a series of books for young girls in every country that will share the untold stories of local women and their extraordinary accomplishments. Already there are books in development in Belgium, Denmark, Ghana, Nepal, Palestine, Slovenia, Egypt, The Netherlands, Qatar, Singapore and Ireland.

Research has shown that even exposure to counter-stereotypical role models is only effective when children can relate to these role models and see themselves in their shoes⁷. And in places with a particularly wide gender gap and young women with far fewer privileges than young men, it’s essential for girls to see role models of their own gender from their own culture. 

“We’ve all experienced gender inequality. And despite great progress and strong women role models in some cultures, many women around the world still grow up steeped in gender stereotypes that prevent them from seeing or achieving their potential. This applies to young men as well. And it can have lasting repercussions on a life.” says Bette Adriaanse, Heroines! Co-Founder.

“The Herstory Education Trust is thrilled to partner with Heroines! and work together to achieve our shared vision. In contrast to the handful of women we learn about in Irish schools, we discovered that there are over one thousand fascinating women featured in the Dictionary of Irish Biography. From talking to academics we know that the amnesia of women’s stories is not just an Irish problem - this is a global phenomenon.” says Founder & CEO Melanie Lynch.

The awe-inspiring books will launch with supporting lesson plans for schools that are designed to integrate with the curriculums in each country. Our long term aim is that every country will rewrite their school curriculum with equal gender representation across all school subjects. However we won’t wait for this day. That’s why we are developing educational resources now that will make it easy for teachers to teach women’s stories and gender equality in the classroom.

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Women's achievements and struggles have been lost in the shadows for too long, resulting in global inequality and a regression of women's rights. That's why we started the annual Herstory Light Shows, to harness the alchemical power of light, to celebrate women and equality, spotlight inequality, and create visions for a World of Equals.

Stay tuned for more exciting news from the Heroines! + Herstory collaboration.