Norah O'Donnell’s 'We the Women' pays tribute to U.S. history's female heroes
In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, Norah O'Donnell and Mary Louise Kelly discuss O'Donnell's book honoring women whose contributions to American history have been overlooked. O'Donnell shares stories of women like Mary Catherine Goddard, who risked treason charges by printing the Declaration of Independence; Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man to fight in the Revolutionary War; and Mary McLeod Bethune, who rose from illiteracy to become an influential educator and presidential advisor.
The conversation addresses the broader issue of underrepresentation in historical education, with women featured in less than 15% of history curricula taught in the United States. O'Donnell and Kelly explore the paradox of women fighting for a country that denied them basic rights and discuss progress in women's empowerment. The episode offers perspective on how younger generations are challenging longstanding gender norms and pushing for broader social justice.
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1-Page Summary
Overlooked Female Heroes in Early American History
Early American history is filled with remarkable women whose contributions have often gone unrecognized despite their courage and commitment to justice.
Mary Catherine Goddard Printed the Declaration Despite Treason Risk
When the Continental Congress relocated to Baltimore, they needed a new copy of the Declaration of Independence listing all 56 signatories, to be completed perfectly within two weeks. Mary Catherine Goddard, who owned a printing shop there, met this rigorous deadline under intense pressure. Unlike her usual practice of using the pseudonym M.K. Goddard, she signed her full name on the Declaration—an act that placed her at direct risk of treason charges while ensuring her lasting recognition in this pivotal moment.
Deborah Sampson: First American Woman Wounded In Combat
Facing economic hardship and motivated by patriotism, Deborah Sampson enlisted in the Continental Army by disguising herself as a man. Standing at 5'7" with what contemporaries described as "masculine features," she maintained her disguise throughout her service. Sampson became the first American woman wounded in combat, taking at least two bullets and dying with a musket ball still lodged in her body. Despite her sacrifice, she received little public recognition and struggled for a military pension, eventually receiving support from Paul Revere in her campaign.
Mary McLeod Bethune: From Illiteracy to Influential Black Educator and Advisor
Born to formerly enslaved parents after the Emancipation Proclamation, Mary McLeod Bethune was motivated by a childhood experience when a white playmate told her she couldn't read. She became one of the most influential educators of her time, founding Bethune-Cookman College—the first institution of higher education for Black students in Florida. Bethune later became Eleanor Roosevelt's confidante and led Franklin D. Roosevelt's Black Cabinet, where her advocacy was critical to ensuring that Black women had the right to serve in the U.S. armed forces.
Underrepresentation of Women in Historical Education and Curricula
Mary Louise Kelly cites the National Women's History Museum, which reports that women are featured in less than 15% of all history taught in the United States, with women of color even less represented. This limited inclusion means entire generations graduate without learning about women's contributions to the country's development. The lack of diverse women's narratives fundamentally skews the public's understanding of American history, offering a perspective that largely omits half the population and their impact.
Women's Rights and Equality Struggles in U.S. History
Kelly raises the question of how many women would take a bullet for a country in which they don't have the right to vote. Norah O'Donnell affirms that many women have done exactly that. Deborah Sampson fought in the Revolutionary War without voting rights, illustrating the paradox of women defending their country while being denied political power. O'Donnell notes that women have long been revolutionaries and patriots, yet despite their sacrifices, they often did not receive the recognition, pensions, or acknowledgment they deserved.
Progress in Women's Empowerment and Gender Equity
O'Donnell states that women broke through the educational glass ceiling more than thirty years ago. Today, women are the majority of medical school and law school graduates, making it clear that the focus now is on gaining power and achieving equity beyond the classroom. She observes that younger generations of women show greater confidence and ambition, freed from the self-limiting doubts that were common in previous generations. These young women charge ahead confidently in their careers, challenging longstanding gender norms. O'Donnell finds hope in this new generation's ability to push for equality as outlined in the Declaration of Independence—not just for women, but for minority rights and broader social justice.
1-Page Summary
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Counterarguments
- While the contributions of women like Mary Catherine Goddard, Deborah Sampson, and Mary McLeod Bethune were significant, there are documented cases of women being recognized and celebrated in their own times, though perhaps not as widely as men.
- The claim that women are featured in less than 15% of all history taught in the United States may not account for recent curriculum changes in some states and districts that have increased the inclusion of women's history.
- The narrative focuses primarily on a few individual women, which may inadvertently overlook the collective efforts and contributions of groups of women or other lesser-known figures.
- The assertion that women only recently broke through educational barriers may not fully acknowledge the progress made by women in higher education in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, even if they were not the majority.
- The text emphasizes underrepresentation but does not address the complexities of curriculum design, such as the challenge of balancing coverage of many different groups and historical events within limited instructional time.
- While the text highlights the lack of recognition for women’s sacrifices, it does not mention that many men from marginalized backgrounds also struggled for recognition and pensions after military service.
Actionables
- you can keep a personal timeline or journal where you regularly add stories of women—especially women of color—whose achievements you discover, making a habit of noting their courage, challenges, and impact to balance your own understanding of history and inspire your daily mindset.
- a practical way to address underrepresentation is to intentionally choose books, documentaries, or articles by and about women for your leisure reading or viewing, then share a brief summary or favorite insight from each with friends or family to spark conversations that highlight these overlooked contributions.
- you can set a monthly reminder to research and learn about a woman from history who broke barriers in a field you’re interested in, then use what you learn to challenge stereotypes or assumptions in everyday conversations, helping to normalize women’s leadership and achievements in your social circles.
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Overlooked Female Heroes in Early American History
Early American history includes the stories of remarkable women whose contributions have often gone unrecognized. Their courage, ingenuity, and commitment to justice helped shape the nation even while they faced extraordinary risk and adversity.
Mary Catherine Goddard Printed the Declaration Despite Treason Risk
Goddard's Printing Shop in Baltimore Enabled Her Critical Task
Mary Catherine Goddard owned a publishing and printing shop in Baltimore, where the Continental Congress relocated when British troops advanced on Philadelphia. The Congress required a new copy of the Declaration of Independence, which needed to list all 56 male signatories and be completed perfectly within two weeks. Goddard’s shop made this pivotal publication possible under intense pressure and threat.
She Accurately Printed all 56 Male Signatories' Names Within the Two-week Deadline
Goddard met the rigorous deadline, ensuring that all 56 names were included in the new print. Her work enabled the delivery of a crucial document in the founding of the United States, at a time when any error or delay could have compromised the nation’s fragile beginnings.
Mary Catherine Goddard Signed Her Full Name On the Declaration Rather Than Using Her Pseudonym M.K. Goddard, Demonstrating Her Desire For Recognition In This Foundational Moment in American History
Although she previously published under the name M.K. Goddard, Mary Catherine Goddard chose to sign her full name on the Declaration copy she produced. This act was both a personal risk and a statement of her desire to be remembered as part of this foundational moment in American history. Including her full name placed her at direct risk of being charged with treason, yet ensured her lasting recognition in this pivotal event.
Deborah Sampson: First American Woman Wounded In Combat By Disguising Herself As a Man in the Continental Army
Sampson's Childhood and Economic Circumstances Inspired Her Military Pursuit Out of Patriotism
Deborah Sampson came from a difficult background and, facing economic hardship, sought a job that provided steady pay. Her pursuit to serve was also motivated by patriotism, a combination that led her to the unconventional step of enlisting in the Continental Army by disguising herself as a man.
Masculine Features Helped Her Maintain Disguise As a Soldier
Standing at 5'7" and described at the time as having "masculine features," Sampson found it easier to convincingly maintain her disguise as a male soldier. Her determination and adaptability allowed her to serve effectively without detection.
Revolutionary War Bullet Wounds Endured; Died With Musket Ball Lodged; No Pension or Public Recognition; Supported Later by Paul Revere
Deborah Sampson became the first American woman wounded in combat, taking at least two bullets for her country. She died with a musket ball still lodged in her body, a testament to her sacrifice and her commitment to maintaining her secret. After her service, Sampson traveled on the speaking circuit to seek a military pension, eventually receiving support from Paul Revere in her campaign. Despite her injuries and in ...
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Overlooked Female Heroes in Early American History
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Counterarguments
- While Mary Catherine Goddard played a significant role in printing the Declaration of Independence, the actual drafting and signing of the document were carried out by male delegates, and her contribution, though important, was logistical rather than political.
- The risks faced by Goddard, while real, were also shared by many printers and publishers of the era who supported the revolutionary cause, both male and female.
- Deborah Sampson was not the only woman to disguise herself as a man to serve in the military during the Revolutionary War; other women, such as Margaret Corbin and Anna Maria Lane, also participated in combat or military support roles.
- The claim that Sampson died with a musket ball lodged in her body is debated among historians, with some evidence suggesting she had the bullet removed during her lifetime.
- Mary McLeod Bethune was not the founder of the first Black college in Flo ...
Actionables
- you can create a personal recognition log to document and celebrate the overlooked contributions of people in your workplace, school, or community, especially those who take risks or work behind the scenes; for example, write a weekly note or email highlighting someone’s efforts that might otherwise go unnoticed, helping foster a culture of acknowledgment and inclusion.
- a practical way to honor resilience and courage is to set a monthly challenge for yourself to step outside your comfort zone in support of a cause or value you care about, such as volunteering for a task you’ve never tried or speaking up in a meeting, then reflect on the experience and share your story with a friend or peer to i ...
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Underrepresentation of Women in Historical Education and Curricula
The content and structure of U.S. history education reveal a stark gender gap. Mary Louise Kelly cites the National Women's History Museum, which reports that women are featured in less than 15% of all history taught in the United States. The absence is even more pronounced for women of color, whose stories are even less well represented.
Women Under 15% of U.S. History Content; Women of Color Even Less
This limited inclusion means that entire generations of students graduate without learning about the important contributions women have made to the country's development. The invisibility of women's stories, and especially those of women of color, results in an incomplete understanding of American progress and identity.
Generations Graduate Without Learning Women's Development Contributions
With such low representation in history curricula, students lack knowledge of how women have shaped society, policy, culture, and technolo ...
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Underrepresentation of Women in Historical Education and Curricula
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Clarifications
- The National Women's History Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of women in the United States. It serves as a reputable source by researching and promoting accurate, inclusive historical narratives. The museum provides educational resources and advocates for the inclusion of women's stories in school curricula. Its data and reports are widely used to highlight gaps in historical representation.
- Women, especially women of color, are underrepresented in U.S. history education due to longstanding societal biases that prioritized male and Eurocentric narratives. Historical records and textbooks were traditionally written by and about dominant groups, marginalizing minority voices. Educational institutions often reflect these biases by perpetuating curricula that overlook diverse contributions. Efforts to diversify history education are ongoing but face resistance from entrenched cultural and political interests.
- Women have contributed to the country’s development through leadership in social reform movements like abolition and suffrage. They played key roles in advancing education, healthcare, and labor rights. Women also innovated in science, technology, and the arts, shaping cultural and economic growth. Their political activism helped secure civil rights and influence public policy.
- Women have played crucial roles in social movements, politics, science, and culture that shaped the nation. Omitting their stories erases these contributions and the diverse experiences that influenced American values. This creates a history that centers only on male perspectives, missing how gender and race intersect to affect progress. Understanding identity requires recognizing all groups that contributed to the country's development.
- Skewed historical narratives shape societal values by promoting a limited view of who contributes to progress, often reinforcing stereotypes and biases. This exclusion can marginalize groups, affecting their sense of identity and belonging. It also influences public policy and cultural norms by omitting diverse perspectives. Ultimately, it hinders social equity and a comprehensive understanding of history.
- A "gender gap" ...
Counterarguments
- The percentage of women featured in history curricula may reflect the historical reality that, due to social and legal restrictions, women had fewer opportunities to hold prominent public roles in earlier periods, which can affect the proportion of documented contributions.
- History curricula are often limited by time constraints and must prioritize certain events and figures, which can result in less coverage for many groups, not just women or women of color.
- Some recent curriculum reforms and educational standards have increased the inclusion of women's history and diverse perspectives, indicating ongoing efforts to address these gaps.
- The primary goal of history education is often to cover major political, economic, and military events, wh ...
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Women's Rights and Equality Struggles in U.S. History
Women Have Consistently Fought For Their Country Despite Lacking Rights and Recognition
Mary Louise Kelly raises the question of how many women would take a bullet for a country in which they do not have the right to vote, emphasizing the paradox women have faced throughout history. Norah O'Donnell affirms that many women have, in fact, done just that—serving their nation without having full citizenship rights.
Deborah Sampson: Fought In Revolutionary War Without Right to Vote, Highlighting Paradox of Women Defending a Nation While Denied Political Power
Deborah Sampson is a prominent example. She fought in the Revolutionary War at a time when women did not have the right to vote, illustrating the contradiction of women defending their country while being denied political power.
Women's Unacknowledged Contributions: Military Service and Educational Achievements
Norah O’Donnell notes that women have long been revolutionaries and patriots, serving their country in both military an ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Women's Rights and Equality Struggles in U.S. History
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Counterarguments
- While women’s contributions have often been underrecognized, there are documented cases where individual women did receive acknowledgment or pensions for their service, such as Deborah Sampson, who was eventually granted a pension by Congress.
- The lack of political rights for women was reflective of broader societal norms of the time, which also restricted the rights of many men based on property, race, or class, indicating that disenfranchisement was not unique to women alone.
- Some historians argue that the focus on military service may overshadow the significant roles women played in other areas, such as organizi ...
Actionables
- you can write a short thank-you note or email to a woman in your community who has contributed to public service, education, or local initiatives, acknowledging her efforts and sharing how her work has made a difference to you or others
- This simple act helps address the lack of recognition many women have faced and encourages ongoing contributions. For example, send a message to a teacher, nurse, or community volunteer, highlighting a specific instance where her actions positively impacted you or your neighborhood.
- a practical way to highlight overlooked achievements is to create a personal journal or digital scrapbook where you document stories of women in your family or community who have made sacrifices or contributed in meaningful ways
- This can include interviewing relatives, collecting photos, or writing brief summaries of their experiences, ensuring their stories are preserved and shared with future generations.
- you can set a recurring reminder to research and learn about one woman ...
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Progress in Women's Empowerment and Gender Equity
Women Surpass Men in Educational Attainment In Many Professional Fields Over Three Decades
Norah O'Donnell states that women broke through the educational glass ceiling more than thirty years ago. Today, women are the majority of medical school and law school graduates, signaling that educational access is no longer the main barrier to advancement. In the current era, women have surpassed men in educational attainment across many professional fields, making it clear that the focus now is on gaining power and achieving equity beyond the classroom.
Younger Generations of Women Show Greater Confidence and Ambition, Freed From Self-Imposed and Institutional Limitations of Past Cohorts
O'Donnell observes that one of the most hopeful changes is among young women entering the workforce. She notes that this generation does not carry the self-limiting doubts that were common in previous generations. While older women often faced cultural and institutional messages about which careers or behaviors were available or appropriate for them, these doubts—whether self-imposed or externally reinforced—are far less present for young women today.
Young women, according to O'Donnell, charge ahe ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Progress in Women's Empowerment and Gender Equity
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While women have surpassed men in educational attainment in many fields, this has not always translated into equal representation in leadership positions or pay equity in those professions.
- The majority status of women in medical and law school does not necessarily reflect parity in specialized, high-status, or high-paying roles within those professions.
- Educational access may no longer be the main barrier for many women, but other significant barriers—such as workplace discrimination, unconscious bias, and lack of family support policies—persist.
- The assertion that younger women experience fewer institutional limitations may not account for intersectional challenges faced by women of color, LGBTQ+ women, or women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
- The optimism about young women outpacing their peers may overlook ongoing challenges such as the gender pay gap, underrepresentation in STEM leadership, and workplace harassment.
- The focus on progress among younger genera ...
Actionables
- you can track and celebrate your own career milestones alongside those of women peers to reinforce ambition and normalize achievement, for example by keeping a shared digital timeline or group chat where you and friends post promotions, new skills, or leadership roles as they happen.
- a practical way to challenge lingering gender norms is to intentionally volunteer for or suggest yourself for tasks or projects that are traditionally male-dominated in your workplace or community, such as leading a technical presentation or managing a budget, even if you feel only partially qualified.
- you can support broader social justice and eq ...
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