Gerda Lerner Quotes

A collection of quotes by Gerda Lerner.

Gerda Lerner (1920-2013) was a renowned historian, feminist, and women's rights activist. Born in Austria, she grew up in a socially progressive household that nurtured her intellectual curiosity. Lerner's family fled the Nazis in 1939, eventually settling in the United States.

In 1963, Lerner earned a Ph.D. in history from Columbia University, becoming one of the first women to do so. Her groundbreaking research and writings focused on women's history, challenging the male-centric narratives that had dominated the field. Lerner believed that understanding women's history was crucial to a comprehensive understanding of human history as a whole.

Lerner taught women's history at Sarah Lawrence College and played a crucial role in establishing women's studies as an academic discipline. In 1972, she co-founded the first women's history graduate program in the United States at Sarah Lawrence.

As a passionate advocate for women's rights, Lerner co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW) and the Women's History Institute. She was a key figure in the movement to include women's history in school curricula, working tirelessly to promote gender equality and shed light on women's contributions to society.

Throughout her career, Lerner authored numerous influential books, including "The Creation of Patriarchy" and "The Creation of Feminist Consciousness." Her work undeniably advanced the understanding and appreciation of women's history, earning her international recognition and cementing her place as a pioneer in the field. N/A