Our Goals

Much of the history we’ve been taught has predominantly come from a male viewpoint, often excluding the inspiring and powerful contributions of women. While a handful of women have managed to have their names recorded and remembered in our historical accounts, many remain forgotten, their legacies preserved only through family lines—if they endure at all.

Scientific evidence indicates that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is passed from mother to child, but only daughters can transmit this mtDNA to their offspring. Ironically, while it is customary to adopt the paternal surname to “carry on his legacy,” the matrilineal line often fades from historical records. A woman’s maiden name—derived from her father, not her mother—though significant in her personal life, historically becomes irrelevant. She is lost to her husband’s lineage, taking on his name and raising his children.

It’s fascinating to note that mitochondrial DNA traces back to ancient origins, allowing individuals to explore their lineage through their mother’s history. Additionally, research in epigenetics—the study of how behaviors and environmental factors (like diet, stress, and toxins) can lead to chemical modifications that activate or deactivate genes—reveals important insights. Essentially, this field examines how trauma can be inherited genetically, influencing the behaviors of future generations. It presents a scientific perspective on the transmission of generational trauma, not only through behavioral patterns but also within the cellular behaviors themselves.

So, why do our maternal roots remain obscured in history? Why is education often limited to the male perspective, which can restrict our understanding of historical events? Women have shouldered immense responsibilities, performing much of the unseen work that creates the magic for our families, businesses, and the many advancements that have propelled us forward.

Through this questionnaire, we aim to document these experiences from the viewpoint of women. While these pages cannot fully encapsulate the depth of her experience, we hope to deepen our understanding of our history as women and gain wider perspectives on the lived experiences that have often been overlooked.

Below you can find our current copy of the Invisible Women Project Questionnaire. We recommend printing it out and writing it out by hand as a way to document your handwriting, then using the Files/Notes app on your phone, scan it and upload your version to our website. We are in the works to set up a P.O. Box to mail responses to as well but for the time being we prefer digital copies.