WHY MANY WOMEN HAVE BEEN ERASED FROM OUR HISTORY IN FAVOUR OF MEN

Women's achievements over the course of history have not been recorded as well as men's, leading to a genealogy gender gap.

And Ancestry, the global leader in family history, is encouraging Aussies to examine their history on International Women's Day ,on March 8 to try and bridge this gap.

Laura House, Family History Expert at Ancestry said throughout history, women had been erased and sidelined in favour of their male family members, associates, and colleagues.

"It’s not just famous women who are erased from history," she said.

"Our own female ancestors are often missing from the baptism records of their children or referred to in historical records under their husband’s name, so you might find your great-great-grandmother recorded in a newspaper article as “Mrs. John Smith.”

"This International Women’s Day, we are shining a light on the forgotten women of our past, recognising female historical figures and ancestors, and encouraging the nation to document the heroines in their family."

Ms House said through collections, including birth, marriage and death indexes, you could uncover your family’s very own untold female stories.

From setting records in the world of sports, to fighting on the front lines for social justice and women’s rights, Ancestry is encouraging the nation to recognise and highlight the lives and achievements of all women this International Women’s Day. 

Here are some notable female trailblazers in Australian history (pictured above).

Elizabeth Kenny (1880-1952)

A self-taught nurse, Elizabeth played an instrumental role in global health care, specifically due to her out-of-the-box approach and treatment to polio.

It was her unconventional approach that led to successful findings which ultimately became the basis of muscle rehabilitation (a.k.a physio) as we know it today. 

Wilhelmina Wylie (1891-1984) and Sarah Durack (1889-1956) 

When Wilhelmina and Sarah first began their swimming careers, females were banned from any competition where males were competing.

Despite this, Sarah became Australia’s first female Olympic gold medalist, with Wilhelmina following as the first Australian female to become an Olympic silver medalist. 

Maude Bonney (1897-1994)

An impeccable aviator, Maude set a stunning amount of world records in her time. Maude flew for 1,600 kilometres in 1931, which was the longest distance on a single flight flown by a woman at that time.

She also holds the record as the first female aviator to fly from Australia to England in 1933.

Elizabeth Kenny (1880-1952)

A self-taught nurse, Elizabeth played an instrumental role in global health care, specifically due to her out-of-the-box approach and treatment to polio.

It was her unconventional approach that led to successful findings which ultimately became the basis of muscle rehabilitation (a.k.a physio) as we know it today