March is Women’s History Month, where we celebrate women’s many achievements and contributions to history, culture, and society. It’s also a great opportunity for students to engage in discussions about the challenges and triumphs of women’s rights and gender equality.
We’ve put together some debate topics to inspire those very discussions with your students. Whether you’re seeking discussions centered around women in history, literature, or contemporary society, we’ve got you covered. And the best part is, you can have these class discussions directly on Kialo Edu!
Debate topics on feminism and gender equality
1. Is it ok for feminists to wear makeup?
Some people see wearing makeup merely as a form of personal expression, while others see it as a way of perpetuating traditional beauty standards — going against the feminist idea where women shouldn’t only be valued for their looks. This topic invites students to explore how individual expressions intersect with broader feminist ideals.
2. Is Barbie a feminist film?
Barbie is certainly one of the most famous women in history. But is she a symbol of female empowerment or does she reinforce outdated stereotypes? In this discussion, students can dissect Greta Gerwig’s movie Barbie to discuss whether or not it reflects feminist ideals.
3. Should menstrual products be provided by the government?
Access to menstrual products can be a real challenge for some people due to cost or availability. Should governments step in to ensure that everyone has access to these essential items? This discussion can give students a chance to talk about how menstrual health fits into the larger picture of public health and gender equality.
Debate topics on gender representation and equity
1. Should there be quotas for women in STEM?
In recent years, strides have been made in encouraging and supporting women in STEM, yet a notable gender gap persists in these fields. Exploring this topic can be particularly beneficial for students, given their potential roles as future leaders and innovators in STEM-related careers.
Have students sound off their thoughts on whether there should be a quota for women in STEM in this discussion.
2. Is it fair that professional female athletes receive less attention than male athletes?
Sports fans might love an opportunity to discuss the issue of gender bias in professional sports. While female athletes have made tremendous strides in recent years, they still receive less attention than their male counterparts. Here, students can discuss the role of gender in sports and opportunities for female athletes.
Is it fair that professional female athletes receive less attention than male athletes? — kialo-edu.com
Debate topics on women in history
1. Did women have to use militancy to obtain the vote?
Women’s history is full of struggles and triumphs, and one of the most important turning points was when they gained the right to vote. But did women have to use violent action to achieve this? This discussion is great for students to examine whether militancy was necessary or counterproductive in the push for change.
2. Did women in Europe gain more rights and freedoms as a result of World War I?
Similarly, the question of whether European women gained more rights and freedoms as a result of World War I tasks students to analyze the relationship between political events and social change. This discussion is a great way to work a traditionally underrepresented group into any World War I unit!
3. Is Queen Victoria a feminist figure?
The question of whether Queen Victoria can be considered a feminist figure offers students an opportunity to examine her reign and its impact on women’s rights and societal norms. This discussion works great with Victorian-era history lessons to consider how Queen Victoria’s personal views contrasted with how she was viewed by everyday women at the time.
Debate topics about women in literature
1. Is “Jane Eyre” a feminist novel?
What role does literature play in shaping our gender norms? Students can tackle this question by discussing whether Jane Eyre is a feminist novel to examine the ways in which feminist ideas can be expressed through literature. Consider contrasting or pairing this discussion with another text that students study to make some higher-order connections between literature and gender norms!
2. Does “Their Eyes Were Watching God” advance a feminist worldview?
Students can analyze Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God to explore the depiction of gender dynamics in literature. By examining the protagonist Janie’s journey and her relationship with others, students can evaluate the extent to which the book advances a feminist worldview.
3. Is Lady Macbeth more villainous than Macbeth himself?
In this discussion, students can discuss whether Lady Macbeth is more villainous than Macbeth himself, analyzing the gender roles and societal expectations of the time as portrayed by Shakespeare.
Debate topics on the role of women in religion
Some people think that religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism have inherent patriarchal traditions that may be incompatible with the ideals of feminism. If you teach a religious studies or world religion class, have students examine the nuances of these religions to reconcile their teachings with feminist principles.
Is Mary, mother of Jesus, a feminist figure?
As perhaps the most prominent woman in the Christian faith, can Mary, mother of Jesus, be considered a feminist figure? Have students analyze religious texts and cultural contexts to discuss whether Mary’s story goes against or embodies feminism.
Women’s History Month is a great opportunity for students to discuss the role of women in a societal, cultural, and curricular context. Let us know how you’ve engaged students on this topic through feedback@kialo-edu.com, or on any of our social media platforms.
