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.
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.
Meet Seven Women Leaders From All Around the World Who Broke Barriers.
They navigated crisis, criticism, and political pressure. They were pioneers, reformers, and power brokers — but they were also complex figures shaped by culture, controversy, and the eras in which they governed. In honor of Women’s History Month, this video playlist explores influential leaders from around the globe through BBC clips featuring Hillary Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, Michelle Bachelet, and more.
From national parliaments to international financial institutions, these women led in vastly different political systems and cultural landscapes. Some championed social reform. Others advanced market-driven policies. All faced intense scrutiny — not only for their decisions, but for their leadership styles, identities, and the expectations placed upon women in power.
This thoughtful playlist invites students to examine leadership with nuance: How do gender and politics intersect? How do public expectations shape women leaders differently? And what can we learn from both their accomplishments and their controversies?
In Margaret Thatcher and Hillary Clinton, Women in Power, explore the experiences of female political leaders. Thatcher attributed her success to her abilities, and didn't focus on being a woman, though some critics say she didn’t create paths for other women. Clinton faced criticism for not emphasizing women’s rights in her 2008 presidential campaign. 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 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 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 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 Julia Gillard, Education Advocate, listen as the former Australian Prime Minister reflects on her leadership and her work to expand education opportunities for girls worldwide. Drawing from her family’s experience with poverty and limited schooling, she advocates for equal access to education while facing criticism and gender bias during her political career. This video is excerpted from BBC Her Story — The Female Revolution which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.
In Chhavi Rajawat, Local Leader in India, learn how Rajawat left her corporate career to serve her rural community in India. After new quotas increased opportunities for women leaders, she took on a mayor-like role to help address poverty and challenges faced by villagers, especially women. This video is excerpted from BBC Her Story — The Female Revolution which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.
In Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of Lithuania, learn how Grybauskaitė rose to leadership in a country shaped by Soviet control and conflict. Although she never planned to become a leader, she accepted the responsibility and later defended Lithuania’s independence with confidence, even when facing powerful leaders who expected her to be afraid. This video is excerpted from BBC Her Story — The Female Revolution which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.
In Michelle Bachelet, Chile's First Woman President, learn how Michelle Bachelet challenged traditional expectations in a conservative country. As an atheist and a divorced single mother, she promoted gender equality by appointing an equal number of men and women to her cabinet, reshaping leadership norms. This video is excerpted from BBC Her Story — The Female Revolution, which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.
In Emmeline Pankhurst's Global Legacy, host Sanjeev Bhaskar explores how Pankhurst’s tireless fight for women’s suffrage transformed Great Britain’s political landscape. Through her activism, she helped secure voting rights for women and became a symbol of perseverance and gender equality, inspiring global movements for women’s rights. 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.
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.
Meet Seven Women Leaders From All Around the World Who Broke Barriers.
They navigated crisis, criticism, and political pressure. They were pioneers, reformers, and power brokers — but they were also complex figures shaped by culture, controversy, and the eras in which they governed. In honor of Women’s History Month, this video playlist explores influential leaders from around the globe through BBC clips featuring Hillary Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, Michelle Bachelet, and more.
From national parliaments to international financial institutions, these women led in vastly different political systems and cultural landscapes. Some championed social reform. Others advanced market-driven policies. All faced intense scrutiny — not only for their decisions, but for their leadership styles, identities, and the expectations placed upon women in power.
This thoughtful playlist invites students to examine leadership with nuance: How do gender and politics intersect? How do public expectations shape women leaders differently? And what can we learn from both their accomplishments and their controversies?
In Margaret Thatcher and Hillary Clinton, Women in Power, explore the experiences of female political leaders. Thatcher attributed her success to her abilities, and didn't focus on being a woman, though some critics say she didn’t create paths for other women. Clinton faced criticism for not emphasizing women’s rights in her 2008 presidential campaign. 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 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 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 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 Julia Gillard, Education Advocate, listen as the former Australian Prime Minister reflects on her leadership and her work to expand education opportunities for girls worldwide. Drawing from her family’s experience with poverty and limited schooling, she advocates for equal access to education while facing criticism and gender bias during her political career. This video is excerpted from BBC Her Story — The Female Revolution which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.
In Chhavi Rajawat, Local Leader in India, learn how Rajawat left her corporate career to serve her rural community in India. After new quotas increased opportunities for women leaders, she took on a mayor-like role to help address poverty and challenges faced by villagers, especially women. This video is excerpted from BBC Her Story — The Female Revolution which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.
In Dalia Grybauskaitė, President of Lithuania, learn how Grybauskaitė rose to leadership in a country shaped by Soviet control and conflict. Although she never planned to become a leader, she accepted the responsibility and later defended Lithuania’s independence with confidence, even when facing powerful leaders who expected her to be afraid. This video is excerpted from BBC Her Story — The Female Revolution which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.
In Michelle Bachelet, Chile's First Woman President, learn how Michelle Bachelet challenged traditional expectations in a conservative country. As an atheist and a divorced single mother, she promoted gender equality by appointing an equal number of men and women to her cabinet, reshaping leadership norms. This video is excerpted from BBC Her Story — The Female Revolution, which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.
In Emmeline Pankhurst's Global Legacy, host Sanjeev Bhaskar explores how Pankhurst’s tireless fight for women’s suffrage transformed Great Britain’s political landscape. Through her activism, she helped secure voting rights for women and became a symbol of perseverance and gender equality, inspiring global movements for women’s rights. 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.