Intelligence Squared

Who are the Trailblazing Women Hidden From Our History? With Women's Prize Founder Kate Mosse

September 21, 2025

Key Takeaways Copied to clipboard!

  • Kate Mosse's book, "Feminist History for Every Day of the Year," aims to reclaim and celebrate the often-overlooked achievements of women throughout history, serving as a vital counter-narrative to deliberate erasure and societal neglect. 
  • The book emphasizes that understanding history requires embracing complexity and contradiction, including women with problematic views, to provide a more complete and honest representation of the past. 
  • In an era of digital misinformation and societal division, "Feminist History for Every Day of the Year" serves as a crucial tool for building shared narratives and empowering younger generations by highlighting the continuous fight for equality and the power of individual voices. 

Segments

Book’s Genesis and Purpose
Copied to clipboard!
(00:04:07)
  • Key Takeaway: The “Women in History” social media campaign, initiated during COVID-19, revealed a widespread lack of awareness about significant women, prompting Kate Mosse to create “Feminist History for Every Day of the Year” to address this gap.
  • Summary: Kate Mosse explains the origin of her book, stemming from a social media campaign that highlighted how many women’s achievements are overlooked. She discusses the book’s aim to be a celebratory and informative resource for a broad audience, including younger readers.
Reclaiming History and Modern Challenges
Copied to clipboard!
(00:08:13)
  • Key Takeaway: In the current era of ’techno-feudalism’ and widespread disinformation, actively reclaiming and sharing women’s history is crucial to combatting division and fostering a sense of agency and hope.
  • Summary: Mosse discusses why this work is particularly important now, citing the challenges of modern technology and the deliberate attempts to sow discord. She emphasizes the need for positive and active engagement with history to counter despair and inaction.
Inclusion of Diverse Voices
Copied to clipboard!
(00:21:15)
  • Key Takeaway: The book intentionally includes essays on topics like ‘Boys Can Be Feminists Too’ and ‘Shame,’ alongside entries on trans women and individuals with complex or problematic views, to promote inclusivity and a nuanced understanding of feminism and history.
  • Summary: The conversation delves into the book’s essays, including ‘Boys Can Be Feminists Too’ and ‘Shame,’ and the deliberate inclusion of trans women and figures with controversial beliefs. Mosse explains her rationale for this inclusivity, emphasizing fairness and the importance of a comprehensive historical narrative.
The Story of Women’s Sport
Copied to clipboard!
(00:40:13)
  • Key Takeaway: The suppression of women’s football in the early 20th century by the FA, driven by jealousy and a desire for control, exemplifies how women’s contributions can be deliberately erased from history.
  • Summary: Mosse shares the compelling history of women’s football, highlighting its popularity during WWI and its subsequent ban by the FA. She uses this as an example of deliberate erasure and the ongoing fight for women’s participation and recognition in sports.