Our Purpose

To define ourselves, not be defined by others, (that) is freedom.

The power to define comes in many ways,  the written word being one of the most powerful.

Words of Women is an effort to chronicle the significant events in the lives of women for the next 100 years. It is an opportunity for women and girls everywhere to participate in the recording of our story. We just have to look to the past to see that our Words (opinions, ideas, voices) have not been recorded. To ensure that our own voices be heard and our own story be preserved, we must be the ones to write it.  This is one effort to participate in storytelling. We hope it will encourage self-definition and that we take the opportunity it provides to learn from others.

WHAT IS IT?

A  CHRONICLE OF HISTORY

A  RECORD OF THOUGHTS

AN  INTERNATIONAL  ESSAY  CONTEST

Words of Women, an international history project and essay competition, begins annually in August and ends on March 8^th, International Women's Day, with the reading of the winning essays at a ceremony at the Women's Museum in Dallas, Texas. Annual topics are "The Most Significant Thing that Happened to Women This Year" and "The Most Influential Woman in My Life." Through these essays we are able to chronicle the events important to women. We can catch a glimpse of the things that concern women and what they are feeling. Introduced locally in Dallas by Women's Communities Association in 2000, Words of Women became international in 2002.

 WHY?  

To provide a vehicle for ordinary people to write and have a voice in the history book                               

To chronicle the yearly events that influenced women each year from four perspectives                                     

To inspire women to think and contribute                                                                                                         

To empower women and girls                                                                                                                        

To inspire self-confidence, self-awareness, and pride in young girls and women                                    

To ensure the story of women from our point of view and in our own words                                                  

To create an interest in the continuing story of women                                                                         

To raise awareness about Women, Women's History Month, International Women's Day, Women's Equality Day; and other events celebrating women                                                                        

To provide opportunities for involvement and to enrich lives 

HOW?

Participants select and write a one-page, one-sided, double-spaced essay on one of the above topics.  Essays can be submitted on-line or through the post. There are three judging levels. An Essay of the Year and Top Essays in four experience/age categories: youth, maiden, mother, and wise woman are selected. Top essayists are honored in Dallas during Women's Activities Month.  Essays are read at the annual Women's Festival and are honored at a special event at the Women's Museum. A Collection of Essays is be published each year and will be archived in the Women's Collection, Texas Woman's University, Denton, Texas. Essays are also posted on the Internet.

MORE HOW?

Initially we will publicize this event in local papers, national publications, the Internet, supporting women's organizations, libraries, and museums. Information and guidelines will be available from WCA (either by post or at www.wordsofwomen.org) or by picking up registration forms at various locations. We are investigating ways of involving the schools both public and private. A $5 Registration Fee pays processing costs.  The plan for implementation includes local and national media, civic leaders, volunteers, and educators. 

 WHO?

Words of Women is sponsored by Dallas based Women's Communities Association with the support of the Women's Museum of Dallas, The Women's Collection, Texas Woman's University, The Women's Chorus of Dallas, other civic groups, leaders and individuals. This project will benefit women and girls everywhere, writers, supporting organizations, WCA, the Women's Museum, TWU.  It can enhance school and education programs. This program benefits everyone.