Welcome to Athena Society
Teaching gender equality in schools through Classics, History, Literature, Art and Culture
Athena Society is a student run research group established in 2021 that seeks to uncover the hidden stories and struggles of women through time. We provide free resources that provide interesting and engaging historical context and analytical questions to help schools kickstart conversations on gender equality.
What is the problem?
Talking about gender equality has become an increasingly difficult topic that teachers are having to tackle head on at the front lines in our classrooms with little guidance or support.
We know from platforms like Everyone’s Invited and the investigations of Rape Crisis UK that 90% of school age girls face sexual harassment by their peers which often goes unchallenged. We also know that there has been a concerning rise in misogynistic content which is being pushed towards young men online.
If adults even have difficulty discussing these topics with their own friends, family and colleagues, how can we bring young people together and help them to navigate this issue?
Both male and female students often don’t feel empowered to talk about these issues amongst their peers for fear of being ‘cancelled’ on social media. For many young people, these issues seem so prevalent and systemic that they are starting to accept it as part of life. We have to try and tackle this. Change takes time...but we must strive for it.
What do we offer?
Athena Society was born to try and provide the kickstart to these conversations.
It provides a space outside of lessons in a relaxed atmosphere where students set the agenda themselves, deciding on research presentations they want to do, knowing that there is a trusted adult who can guide them through sometimes difficult conversations. Here young people are able to physically listen to each other and to think critically about the media content they consume, through learning new historical information that helps them to understand where modern political issues stem from.
All schools can set up their own Athena Society and use our free resources as a starting point for discussions. We aim to collaborate with educators nationwide and build a community of teachers and students who want to make a positive difference.
What is the impact?
Widening our knowledge and perspectives is useful for us all, no matter our gender. By looking back at history, we find a useful way to start to understand the deep foundations of gender inequality through the ages and the continued impact of this today.
Athena Society gives the opportunity for students to explore historical time periods and issues beyond the school curriculum. We can uncover surprising new stories that show women displaying creativity and resistance despite the boundaries imposed upon them, as well as men who have supported and helped change stereotypes.
Students who take part in Athena Society feel empowered with knowledge and skills to ask new questions about media content and build a positive ethos across the school environment. By bringing historical context to popular culture, students can get thinking about gender equality and ways they can be actively involved in positive societal change. Read our student testimonials to find out more.
We are all part of society - let’s work together
Teaching resources
We create engaging and thought provoking materials that can be used to help teachers and students engage in face to face discussions on gender equality.
By using historical context as a lens through which to interrogate popular culture, students can analyse the content they consume in more meaningful ways, and feel more empowered to create positive change.
Presentations and CPD
Our Athena ambassadors can visit your school and present to teachers and/or students about how to establish and promote strong gender equality education.
Get in touch to work with us and set up your own Athena Society.
Join the movement
Athena Society is all about collaboration - between historians, teachers and students alike! Together we can bring the positive power of Athena to more students and create real change.
Follow us @athenasocietyofficial and get your own stickers, posters, tshirts etc from our shop to support our mission and spread the word!
Student testimonials
“We wanted to discuss feminism, what it truly meant, and why it had become something that people were embarrassed to call themselves. By learning about the struggles and resistance of women through history, we can see how the definition of feminism, the simple fight for equality, has been misinterpreted.”
“Not only women’s but also men’s lives are dictated by gender stereotypes and sexist narratives. Understanding the ways in which the patriarchy impact women’s lives is instrumental in creating change, firstly in schools and then in society.”
“The group feels innovative because it’s not only student led but student focused - we help lead the agenda and it feels like collectively by establishing this group we have helped initiate change. ”
“Athena has opened my eyes to problematic stereotypes and their connections through time which I probably would not have fully comprehended or recognised without the discussions at Athena Society.”
“In history you never get to hear the woman’s side of the story - they had a voice but often could not use it in the way men could. At Athena Society we try to give them their voice back. ”
“It’s so important to facilitate discussions across all year groups and genders because these important issues affect us all. Without hearing the views of our peers we won’t find solutions to injustices.”
“I’ve found it interesting to notice how to spot sexism in society. We look at such a variety of different topics from movies to history to news stories - there’s always a great mix of laughter and information.”
“I’ve really enjoyed being in a room full of people who want to learn more about the world and why it is the way it is. ”
“By learning about specific examples and historical facts I can now more confidently argue for social justice.”
“I will definitely remember that feminism is something good and help other people realise it is just about standing up for the rights of others.”
“I’ve gained the ability to critique art and media by questioning the way in which women are presented and portrayed as well as just learning more about the existence of women in history outside of the school curriculum. ”
“We usually just accept societal norms but at Athena Society we try to deconstruct them by investigating their origins to understand that they are still here and affecting all genders today. ”
“It feels very empowering to connect and engage with others over such important and relevant issues. ”
“The balance of discussion and information is perfect. It builds confidence speaking in a group and I don’t feel like I need to be an expert to attend as it is a welcoming and friendly space.”
“It so important to have a space where you can come and be surrounded by such a positive and supportive group to discuss these issues and to know that you’re not alone in many things that women go through.”
“I find it inspiring learning about so many brave women even when it seemed that the whole of society was pitched against them. It motivates me to try and become the strongest woman I can be and defy the odds like these women did.”
“I will continue to work together with like minded individuals for change as through Athena, I know it can happen”
“Athena Society acts as a great way to explain feminism through interesting stories which you don’t have to be a girl to appreciate! Creating more open-mindedness helps us progress towards a future of equality.”
Contact
Get in touch to find out more about how to start your own Athena Society and join the movement!