Some of the most enthusiastic members of the audiences for my talks and walking tours are fathers of daughters whose future they want to be completely open to possibility.

I remember one Dad, who came with me on a walking tour of women’s history sites in Boston, say, “I never thought it would be appropriate for me to get involved in women’s history, but now I see that I have to."

I said to him, “Do you want ANYONE to tell your daughter she can’t be and do whatever she wants?” “Heck No!” was his answer (with my editing). He “got it.” He “got” that the proof, the examples, the role models, the inspiration, the path, the journey of how we got here – it’s all there in the stories of the women who came before us.

I also know plenty of men who adore their wives, their mothers, or their sisters. Many of you have women colleagues, employees, or bosses. Trust me when I tell you, we love you when you stand up for us, and supporting women’s history is one way to do just that.

When you publicly support a women’s history project, whether it’s a school curriculum, a book, a talk, a walking tour, a public history initiative, an exhibit, an oral history project – whatever it might be – you will display a level of respect that can only serve you, your business, or organization well.

Women are still surprised (including me!) when men show an active interest in women’s history – surprised, touched, and grateful.

You will also be providing leadership in an area where men are not stepping up. I’m thinking about a man I know who is working tirelessly on a biography and statue of one of the unsung heroines of the 19^th century abolition movement. He is on fire about this woman, and telling the world about her, and God bless him! I am quite moved by his dedication.

You will have an impact on young people, both girls and boys. Girls still need to learn to respect themselves more; they still struggle with issues of self esteem and not believing they can do anything which pains me to know after all these years. Boys still need to learn to respect girls more; levels of mistreatment and violence are appallingly high. Women’s history, taught well, can get right at the heart of these issues.

You, your business, or organization will stand for fairness. Despite years of progress on many fronts, women are still not treated equally, especially economically. This impacts them, their families, and community, and it’s just wrong. Imagine sending a loud and clear message that you stand on the side of fairness to women! Wow!

Please find out how you can support and promote women’s history in your community. If you are a business or organization, “community” could be large indeed depending on your reach. That’s wonderful! There are plenty of national and international efforts underway.

And please make your involvement as public as possible to not only derive the highest ROI for you but to provide leadership for others to follow. (Think hoards of loyal women customers.)

Guys, men, we love you when you stand up for us. This is one way that works!