Web Watch @ Your Library #54 - March 2008 - Other back Issues

A Focus on Women

Each year, International Women’s Day is observed on March 8, which ends a week-long (March 2 – 8) celebration of the political, economic and social achievements and rights of women around the world.  The online resources featured below highlight some of these accomplishments.

Imagining Ourselves: A Global Generation of Women - http://imaginingourselves.imow.org
Take an online trip to visit the International Museum of Women, currently offering an intriguing exhibition entitled “Imagining Ourselves”, which explores the positive role of women in society through stories, personal essays, news, photos, poetry, music and film.

A Celebration of Women Writers - http://digital.library.upenn.edu/
Explore the incredible breadth of women’s writing throughout the ages on this extensive database.  Some of the many features include “A Celebration of Women Writers”, “Banned Books Online” and free books on the Web by female authors, many of which can be downloaded. 

Celebrating Women’s Achievements - http://www.lac-bac.gc.ca/women/
Library and Archives Canada presents “Celebrating Women’s Achievements”, profiling a selection of exceptional Canadian women in the fields of literature, the arts, science, sports, government and other areas.

Canadian War Brides - http://www.canadianwarbrides.com/
The approximately 48,000 Canadian war brides from Britain, the Netherlands and other areas of Europe were our nation’s post-World War II unsung heroes.  Leaving everything familiar behind, they journeyed to an unknown country and culture to start new lives with their Canadian husbands.  You can read their heart-warming stories of courage, sacrifice and romance on this attractive web site.

Famous five - http://www.abheritage.ca/famous5/
Did you know that at one time, women were not recognized as “persons” by Canadian law?  The “Famous Five” – Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir Edwards, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney and Irene Parlby – struggled to change this, and finally achieved success in 1929.  Today, our Constitution Act (1982) ensures the equal rights of Canadian women, thanks to the efforts of the Famous Five.  This easy-to-use Internet resource, a project of Alberta’s Heritage Community Foundation and the Famous Five Foundation, features short vignette “clips” and an “edukit” for students.

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Status of Women Canada - www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/
Today, this federal organization works to advance Canadian women in economics, society and politics, seeking the equality of women.  The SWC web site provides various resources, including relevant research and analysis of results, trends and news. 

Emmeline Pankhurst: My Own Story, 1914 - www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/1914Pankhurst.html
The name “Emmeline Pankhurst” is almost synonymous with the Women’s Suffrage Movement in Britain.  In her struggle for women’s right to vote, she was arrested over and over again.  Here, in her own words, is the story of what prompted this remarkable woman to begin, and persevere, in her quest.
(Note: the women’s suffrage movement in Britain can be explored further at www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/women.htm.)

Women Soldiers of the Civil War - www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/1993/spring/women-in-the-civil-war-1.html
Was the American Civil War strictly a man’s fight?  No!  It’s a little-known – but true - fact that women also bore arms in this war (after assuming a man’s name and disguise)… even though it was illegal to do so!  Participating fully in the war, they traveled with the regiments, fought, were wounded, died in battle, and lived in army camps under appalling living conditions. Take a trip back in time and explore this fascinating web site, with its incredible, but true, stories!

Women Who Changed History - http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/women/
An excellent resource for students, parents and teachers, Scholastic’s web site features some remarkable American women, with suggested activities that will help students to explore the achievements and lives of these individuals further.  

Gender and the Automobile in the United States - www.autolife.umd.umich.edu/Gender/Walsh/G_Overview2.htm
Acquiring the right to vote was a legal battle once fought by women of various countries; acquiring the right to drive a car was another battle for many women, this time, a battle that was waged on the home  front.  In the early years of automobiles, how did women become drivers and purchases, of cars?  This University of Michigan web site provides an overview of the early years of women motorists.