On this day in 1907, Maria Montessori opened her first school

On this day in 1907, Maria Montessori opened her first school and daycare center for working class children in Rome. An Italian physician and educator, she was one of the first women to attend medical school in Italy, graduating with honours in 1896. She dedicated herself to advancing her child-centred approach to education, which gained recognition worldwide.

Also on this day 06 January

In 1936, Barbara Hanley became Canada’s first woman mayor in Webbwood, Ontario. Early media coverage about her election focused on whether she would continue her housekeeping duties while serving as mayor, to which she responded: “Webbwood is hardly a big enough place for me to give up my housework just to be mayor.”

Read more about women’s achievements through history here