One small step for women, one giant leap for humankind

In time for International Women’s Day 2025, explore how women are breaking down barriers – on Earth and beyond.

Collage of pages from the “One small step for women, one giant leap for humankind”  teaching resource showing the cover and lesson plan

Published 31 January 2025

From unfair stereotypes and the “motherhood penalty” to glass ceilings and tech made for men; gender inequality remains a global problem.

What challenges are female astronauts tackling? And how can they support women back home through their groundbreaking work in space?

This resource was created for Topical Talk Festival 2025. See student discussions on this lesson here.

About this lesson

Use this one-hour lesson to help your students:

  • Discuss the problems that women face because of inequality
  • Learn about how advancements in the space industry are helping gender inequality on Earth
  • Be inspired by role models in the news

Skills and knowledge

Every lesson has a skill and knowledge focus. Click to see this lesson's focus and some of the questions students will answer 

  • Speaking skill

    • Step 5: I speak effectively by using appropriate language
      Did you share ideas within your group?
    • Step 8: I speak engagingly by using visual aids to support my points
      Did you use the cards to help share your ideas?
    • Step 11: I speak adaptively by planning for different possible responses of listeners
      Did you listen to other people’s ideas?
  • Knowledge

    I know of problems women face because of gender inequality; and can explain how women in the space industry are helping to solve them.

    What is an example of something women in space have done to help break down gender inequality?

Available downloads

Create an account or log in to access resources for this

Related resources

View all resources