During the past two weeks I’ve been privileged to talk to many people about Women Who Dare. In these conversations I’ve been asked three important questions. Knowing that you might have wondered similar things, I’ve used this update to provide some answers.
First, a quick request.
As someone interested in the Women Who Dare project, you must know other people who would be interested, too. Please take a moment to share information about the project with these people. Their stories of inspiration and suggestions of women to include can only improve the project.
Now, three questions and answers.
Why are you focusing on women?
In my experience, stories of men’s accomplishments are much easier to come by than those of women.To see for yourself, turn on Sports Center on any day of the week and count the number of stories featuring women. (Don’t watch TV? Check out the gender balance of Congress or female representation on corporate boards.) Though the impact of deemphasizing women’s accomplishments is hard to measure, one recent study shows that girls as young as 6 are more likely to think “that brilliance and genius are male traits.”
One way to ensure young girls know that intelligence, strength, and courage are traits they can possess is by giving them role models who demonstrate these qualities and who look like them. Further, we ourselves, as citizens, parents, siblings, and friends, would all benefit from more examples of women’s accomplishments.
So, by focusing on women, I’m making an incremental increase to the pool of stories about inspirational, daring women.
Are you looking for a specific type of inspiration or daring?
No, I’m not looking for any one type of daring activity. One of my goals is to show the range of qualities that we find inspiring in others. Any woman you might be considering is perfect for the project, as long as (1) she identifies as a woman, (2) she inspires you, and (3) you hope she can be reached and included as a part of Women Who Dare.
Are you really going to reach all these women by bike?
I am going to plan a route that reaches as many Women Who Dare as possible. In all likelihood I will not make it to interview every amazing woman who has been suggested. That said, I am expecting to cross the U.S. and should be hitting many major metropolitan areas. The only location caveat is that the woman should be within the continental United States.
(Sorry Alaska, Hawaii, and the rest of the world, I won’t be making that trip this year. If all goes well, maybe there will be a future adventure to tell your stories!)
Have questions of your own?
Please send me an email (or get in touch on Facebook, if that suits you better). I’d love to hear your thoughts!
— Kerry (kerry.m.gross [at] gmail [dot] com)
(Interested in receiving email updates about Women Who Dare? Subscribe here.)