Figures in Women's History
Amazing videos to use all month + a printable biography template
In honor of Women’s History Month, this rich collection of learning resources for students ages 11–14 makes it easy to bring powerful stories into your classroom. At the heart of the collection is a quick and flexible biography template that can be used for any figure in women’s history.
To spark curiosity and help students get started, the collection also features inspiring BBC video clips that introduce trailblazing women from a wide range of fields. These engaging videos provide historical context, highlight key achievements, and model the kind of research depth students can aim for in their own biographies.
Scientists and Suffragettes
In Jane Goodall's Life Among the Chimpanzees, host Dermot O'Leary explores the groundbreaking work of a young woman who transformed our understanding of animal behavior and human origins. Jane Goodall’s determination and pioneering spirit took her from a typist in Bournemouth to a world-renowned primatologist. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Alice Paul and the Fight for Women’s Suffrage, activist Alice Paul leads marches and protests to secure women’s right to vote in the United States. Drawing inspiration from the militant suffrage movement in the UK, she organizes the National Woman’s Party, pickets the White House, and helps secure the passage of the 19th Amendment after decades of struggle.
In Tu Youyou and the Discovery of Artemisinin, host Chris Packham recounts the extraordinary journey of Chinese scientist Tu Youyou. Driven by determination, she unearthed an ancient remedy to combat malaria, ultimately saving millions of lives worldwide. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Emmeline Pankhurst: The Fight for Women's Suffrage and Equality, host Sanjeev Bhaskar delves into the life and activism of Emmeline Pankhurst, a key figure in the women's suffrage movement. Learn how Pankhurst led the suffragettes in their fight for equal rights and the right to vote, resorting to militancy and hunger strikes to challenge the status quo. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Marie Curie's Incredible Contributions, host Chris Packham recounts how Curie turned personal loss and public scandal into groundbreaking medical contributions. From pioneering mobile X-ray machines during World War I to earning her place in the Panthéon, Curie’s legacy continues to save lives to this day. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Jane Goodall's Life Among the Chimpanzees, host Dermot O'Leary explores the groundbreaking work of a young woman who transformed our understanding of animal behavior and human origins. Jane Goodall’s determination and pioneering spirit took her from a typist in Bournemouth to a world-renowned primatologist. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Alice Paul and the Fight for Women’s Suffrage, activist Alice Paul leads marches and protests to secure women’s right to vote in the United States. Drawing inspiration from the militant suffrage movement in the UK, she organizes the National Woman’s Party, pickets the White House, and helps secure the passage of the 19th Amendment after decades of struggle.
In Tu Youyou and the Discovery of Artemisinin, host Chris Packham recounts the extraordinary journey of Chinese scientist Tu Youyou. Driven by determination, she unearthed an ancient remedy to combat malaria, ultimately saving millions of lives worldwide. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Emmeline Pankhurst: The Fight for Women's Suffrage and Equality, host Sanjeev Bhaskar delves into the life and activism of Emmeline Pankhurst, a key figure in the women's suffrage movement. Learn how Pankhurst led the suffragettes in their fight for equal rights and the right to vote, resorting to militancy and hunger strikes to challenge the status quo. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Marie Curie's Incredible Contributions, host Chris Packham recounts how Curie turned personal loss and public scandal into groundbreaking medical contributions. From pioneering mobile X-ray machines during World War I to earning her place in the Panthéon, Curie’s legacy continues to save lives to this day. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
Biography Printable
Students can use this template to create a quick bio of any figure in women's history. Have them watch some of our videos, then pick an individual (from our list or not!) and do their own research to complete the biography.
This Women’s History Month, invite your students to step into the role of historian, storyteller, and researcher as they create profiles of extraordinary women in history. Our Women’s History Biography Template is designed for ages 8–14 and helps students organize key facts, explore challenges and accomplishments, and reflect on why these figures still matter today. With guided sections for important life events, obstacles overcome, and lasting impact, this ready-to-use template supports research skills, critical thinking, and strong writing.
To get started, visit our Figures in Women’s History microsite and explore a rich video library featuring trailblazing leaders, artists, scientists, and activists. Learn about Jane Goodall and her pioneering work in conservation and animal behavior, or dive into the groundbreaking research and storytelling of Zora Neale Hurston, who preserved and celebrated African American folklore and culture. Students can also discover figures who fought for women's suffrage, advanced medicine, and transformed sports. This is a great jumping off point for students to begin further research on their chosen icon.
Athletes, Artists, and Activists
In Billie Jean King's Fight for Equality, sports journalist Clare Balding talks to Billie Jean King about her influence on equality for women in sport. King put her career on the line when she accepted an offer to play against one of the world's top male tennis players, Bobby Riggs, and won. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Zora Neale Hurston and the Harlem Renaissance, explore the life and work of writer and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston, from her Alabama childhood to her studies of African American folklore and culture. Though she died in obscurity, her legacy was revived by Alice Walker, restoring her place as a key figure in literature and the Harlem Renaissance.
In Laleh Seddigh’s Bold Racing Journey, learn about Iran's first female race car driver, who broke barriers by racing against men in a sport traditionally dominated by men. In a society where women are discouraged from participating in sports, Seddigh proved women are just as capable. Seddigh's passion for driving started when she was just 11 years old, and her mother remembers catching her behind the wheel of a Buick one day. Now, racing is not just her hobby — it's a career that continues to challenge stereotypes. This video is excerpted from BBC's Her Story — The Female Revolution, which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.
In Helen Keller's Legacy of Change, host Sanjeev Bhaskar takes us through the remarkable life of Helen Keller, who overcame the challenges of being both deaf and blind to become an influential advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Tanni Grey-Thompson, a Voice for Disability, sports journalist Clare Balding explores how Tanni Grey-Thompson not only fought for equality in sports for people with disabilities but also in everyday life. She talks to Grey-Thompson about her achievements and goals. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Billie Jean King's Fight for Equality, sports journalist Clare Balding talks to Billie Jean King about her influence on equality for women in sport. King put her career on the line when she accepted an offer to play against one of the world's top male tennis players, Bobby Riggs, and won. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Zora Neale Hurston and the Harlem Renaissance, explore the life and work of writer and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston, from her Alabama childhood to her studies of African American folklore and culture. Though she died in obscurity, her legacy was revived by Alice Walker, restoring her place as a key figure in literature and the Harlem Renaissance.
In Laleh Seddigh’s Bold Racing Journey, learn about Iran's first female race car driver, who broke barriers by racing against men in a sport traditionally dominated by men. In a society where women are discouraged from participating in sports, Seddigh proved women are just as capable. Seddigh's passion for driving started when she was just 11 years old, and her mother remembers catching her behind the wheel of a Buick one day. Now, racing is not just her hobby — it's a career that continues to challenge stereotypes. This video is excerpted from BBC's Her Story — The Female Revolution, which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.
In Helen Keller's Legacy of Change, host Sanjeev Bhaskar takes us through the remarkable life of Helen Keller, who overcame the challenges of being both deaf and blind to become an influential advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.
In Tanni Grey-Thompson, a Voice for Disability, sports journalist Clare Balding explores how Tanni Grey-Thompson not only fought for equality in sports for people with disabilities but also in everyday life. She talks to Grey-Thompson about her achievements and goals. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Icons: The Greatest Person of the 20th Century, a documentary series celebrating the achievements of the most influential figures of the era.