10 films for women’s history month

Today is International Women’s day. The International Women’s Day website, states that March 8 “is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.”

The month of March is designated as Women’s History Month. The national celebration honoring the contributions women have made to the U.S. originated in 1982. Since then it has grown from a week to a month, and is recognized by congress and proclaimed by the president.

The following films portray inspiring women, their fight for equality, and how they have impacted society. These characters aren’t just creative, fictional individuals. They are real woman.

1. On the Basis of Sex

“If the law differentiates between people on the basis of sex, then how will women and men ever become equals?” Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

This film follows Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she struggles to become an attorney and battle against gender discrimination. Ginsburg later went on to become Supreme Court justice of the United States.

2. Battle of the Sexes

“I’m not saying women are better. I’ve never said that. I’m saying we deserve some respect.” Billie Jean King.

The film follows the lead up to the 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. The game became the most watched televised sporting event of all time. The personal lives of King and Riggs are also explored as they face-off on opposites sides of an argument.

3. Hidden Figures

“Separate And Equal Are Two Different Things. Just Because It’s The Way Don’t Make It Right.” Dorothy Vaughan.

Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson serve as the brains behind the launch of astronaut john Glenn into orbit. These three African-American women, along with their work colleagues, faced racial and gender discrimination at NASA as well as in society. The mission would restore the U.S.’s confidence in the space race.

4. Erin Brockovich

“If you follow your heart, if you listen to your gut, and if you extend your hand to help another, not for any agenda, but for the sake of humanity, you are going to find the truth.” Erin Brockovich.

Erin Brockovich is determined to find a job after becoming injured in a car accident. After getting employed by attorney Ed Masry, Brockovich takes interest in some unusual medical records. Once she begins investigating, she discovers a massive cover-up involving industry giants.

5. Bombshell

“International Women’s Day should be a day to highlight the ongoing plight of women in the workplace. There are a myriad of issues I can think of when I think of what is wrong with our system when it comes to women’s rights in the workplace. Can you?” Gretchen Carlson.

“Bombshell” is based on the lives of three women in the news broadcasting industry. The plotline follows these female Fox News anchors as they risk their careers and personal lives to stand up to the man who made them famous.

6. Suffragette

“For fifty years, we have labored peacefully to secure the vote for women. We’ve been ridiculed, battered and ignored. Now we have realized that deeds and sacrifice be the order of the day. We are fighting for a time in which every little girl born into the world will have an equal chance with her brothers.” Emmeline Pankhurst.

“Suffragette” follows a group of women from different backgrounds, coming together during the early 20th century Britain. Political activist Emmeline Pankhurst leads the growing suffragette movement to fight for equality and the right to vote. The women face many dangers along the way including jail, assault, and even death in their battle for equal rights.

7. Harriet

“Don’t you tell me what I can’t do. I made it this far on my own. God was watching, but my feet was my own. Running, bleeding, climbing, nearly drowned – nothing to eat for days and days, but I made it.” Harriet Tubman.

“Harriet” portrays the life of heroic abolitionist Harriet Tubman as she escapes from slavery. After gaining her own freedom, Tubman led several missions to liberate hundreds of slaves through the underground railroad.

8. Misbehavior

Misbehavior is a comedy/drama following Sally Alexander and the Women’s Liberation Movement as they plan to disrupt the 1970 Miss World competition. Host of the event, US comedian Bob Hope, was known for his crude jokes and misogynistic demeanor and reacted strongly to the Movement. The Women’s Liberation Movement claims that beauty competitions degraded women, and creates a plan to leave their mark on the event.

9. The Letters

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” Mother Teresa.

Mother Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu was Albanian-Indian Catholic nun who is now remembered as one of the world’s greatest humanitarians. In 1946, Mother Teresa is called by God to help the poor, sick, and downtrodden. At first, the Roman Catholic Church and the government of India were opposed to her mission and conflict arises. After her death, 40 years of personal letters and diaries provide an insight into her inner thoughts, her political oppression and her unbreakable spirit.

10. He Named me Malala

“There is a moment where you have to chose, whether to be silent or to stand up.” Malala Yousafzai.

In 2012, at the age of 15, Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head by the Taliban. They attempted to kill her in response to her public advocation for girl’s education. After surviving the attack, she became even more determined and committed to advocating for children’s rights.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Please let us know what you think!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.