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 19th 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.